Tune du Jour: “World Turned Upside Down” – Leon Rosselson
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Dick Gaughan vs. Oysterband vs. Lehto and Wright feat. Matt Jacobs vs. Billy Bragg
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The Original
Leon Rosselson, Roy Bailey with Martin Carthy:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Dick Gaughan vs. Oysterband vs. Lehto and Wright feat. Matt Jacobs vs. Billy Bragg
Dick Gaughan:
Oysterband:
Lehto and Wright feat. Matt Jacobs:
Billy Bragg:
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 
Great song! I first heard this in the eighties from Back to Basics. I’ve always known this was written by Leon Rosselson, but I don’t think I’d ever heard his version. I still don’t know much about him.
Dick Gaughan is one of my favorite artists, but I hadn’t seen this particular clip, although it’s similar to his other performances of the song. I expected to vote for him.
That’s by far the hardest I’ve heard Oysterband rock. Interesting take, I’m glad they changed it.
Never heard of Lehto & Wright, but I just looked ’em up on Allmusic. Although they hail from Minneapolis, under “Styles” is listed “British Folk”. Checking their discography, they look like an act I’ll have to investigate further.
I voted for Billy Bragg today, who perhaps pulled the upset over Gaughan. His more dramatic take, punctuated by his stinging bursts of electric guitar, provided a sense of power and urgency not found in Gaughan’s version.
Fantastic song! Fuckin’ Brits!!!
As far as I am concerned, Bragg’s cover is the definitive version of this common man’s anthem. His guitar strikes exude anger and his overall delivery is one of empathy and defiance.
Everyone did well on this stirring folk classic. I never heard of Lehto & Wright and I almost dismissed them with a Lilo and Stitch joke but although they played well the are the James Madison of this playoff. The Oyster Band led with feedback and urgency then adding fuller instrumentation. All moving parts collide, merge, unite. I think the song is better realized with a strong vocal accent. Gaughan has that great Scot’s brogue and I am pleasantly surprised that Rich found a live video. He’s a brilliant guitarist and has spent a lifetime championing the undervalued. Billy Bragg brings that unapologetic East London working class delivery and gets the win by adding the punctuation of that primal clashing chord. It sounds like a wake up call.