Tune du Jour: “The Ballad of El Goodo” – Big Star
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Vanessa Paradis vs. Evan Dando vs. Matthew Sweet
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
CoverMeImpressed.blog CoverMeImpressed.blog CoverMeImpressed.blog
Another Goodo one from Big Star!
The Original
Big Star:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Vanessa Paradis vs. Evan Dando vs. Matthew Sweet
Vanessa Paradis:
Evan Dando:
Matthew Sweet:
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 
Can’t argue with any of these versions. All very solid, albeit fairly straightforward, takes. Dando by a nose.
I voted Dando, but he was aided by the fact I already know who he is, and like much of what I’ve heard from him.
I’ve seen Vanessa’s name and photos for many years. I knew she was a French actress, model and singer, but I had not previously heard her music.
Matthew Sweet is another artist whose name I’ve seen over the years, but I don’t know his stuff.
Big Star is one of those bands whose influence gets cited endlessly. The Replacements, R.E.M., Cheap Trick, The Pixies, the dB’s… everyone seems to genuflect at the altar of Big Star. Friends whose taste I trust swear by them. Critics I admire gush over them. So, naturally, I downloaded the albums expecting a revelation. And… nothing. I don’t dislike the music, but it’s never clicked for me. I know all about Alex Chilton, The Letter, the Replacements song about him, blah blah blah. I’m sure the magic is there—I just remain blissfully clueless as to where it’s hiding.
This particular song doesn’t move the needle for me either. Among the covers, I went with Evan Dando simply because I’ve always liked his voice. Matthew Sweet is great, too, but in this matchup, I’m giving it to the alterna-hunk.
I don’t think I’ve heard a female lead vocal on this song and I haven’t heard Vanessa sing before but I thought it was very effective and affective cover. Seemingly live, I wonder what may have been altered afterwards. The background vocals too perfect. Overall I really liked it. Right in Matthew Sweet’s wheelhouse, an apparition of Chilton could have appeared to Matthew saying I am your father. Chiming, shimmering, glistening, maybe too candy coated. I voted for Dando’s simpler, quieter version. The slight bit perfect hooks in the melodic arrangement are all you need. No added sugar.