Tune du Jour: “To Sir With Love” – Lulu
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Susanna Hoffs vs. Al Green vs. 10,000 Maniacs feat. Michael Stipe
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
CoverMeImpressed.blog CoverMeImpressed.blog CoverMeImpressed.blog
The Original
I LOVE THIS SONG, I LOVE THE MOVIE AND I LOVE LULU!!!
Lulu:
Just Too Cool
Lulu with Soul Asylum:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Susanna Hoffs vs. Al Green vs. 10,000 Maniacs feat. Michael Stipe
Susanna Hoffs:
Al Green:
10,000 Maniacs feat. Michael Stipe:
Clinton Inauguration Party
With Bonus Track: Candy Everybody Wants. Never been so attracted to Natalie Merchant as I am watching this track (come to think of it, I’m strangely attracted to Michael Stipe as well …).
SPACE
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On!??!
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 
Sorry, still a bit distracted by Natalie Merchant after watching Candy Everybody Wants about five times! Damn it, she’s simply RADIANT!
Watching the Lulu video really makes me want to go back and watch the movie again for the umpteenth time. Might have been the height of Sidney Poitier’s very illustrious career.
And the Lulu/Soul Asylum version always gets me. It was obviously such a thrill for Dave Pirner to share the stage with Lulu. Every time I hear this version I live vicariously through Pirner, dueting with Lulu on this number.
Not surprisingly, Susanna Hoffs puts for an excellent cover of this song.
I love Al Green and I love his soulful take on the song as well.
But, still mesmerized, my vote goes to Natalie and Michael performing on such a grand stage.
Looking at today’s combatants I expected three good interpretations and a tough vote. Susanna Hoffs went with a straight reverent cover and came off bland and weak in the higher range. I thought Al Green could sing just about anything but this whole thing didn’t work for me. The arrangement, the band, it all disappointed. The Maniacs and Stipe in a rout and the following Candy Everyone Wants for the touchdown celebration accent point.
I liked the Lulu with Soul Asylum version as much or more than the others.
Susanna Hoffs sings very well, but this is basically a straight reading.
I’m a little surprised Al Green chose to cover this. I like most everything I’ve heard by him, but I don’t think he pulled this off very well.
Had to go with the Natalie Merchant and Michael Stipe cover, helped along by the video.
Three excellent versions. I went with Stipe and Merchant Because I likes it when they briefly danced together and then sang the last chorus together. You can tell the video is over 30 years old because everyone is fully dressed and there are no tattoos in sight.
I love Sidney Poitier. I’ve seen nearly all of his movies, and I like this one perhaps most of all. I love this song. Always have.
Susanna Hoffs version is okay, but truth be told, her voice isn’t anything particularly stellar. It’s good, not especially memorable.
Al Green doing this song is just weird. Of course his voice is great, but that rhythm track just seemed wrong.
Of course I went with Michael and Natalie. Two performers I’ve loved for years. It’s a joy seeing them perform together, hearing Michael’s distinct tenor, and Natalie’s rich lovely voice.
just not a fair fight here, the Stipe and Natalie Duet put on quite the floor show to go along with killer vocals plus you get a bonus track?
Al Green aint capable of a bad recording, but as Brando once said … Kid, it aint your night