Tune du Jour: “Hound Dog” – Elvis Presley
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Eric Clapton vs. Jimi Hendrix vs. John Lennon
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
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The Original
Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, Kansas City Bill & Orch. (January 1953):
Most Popular Cover
Elvis Presley (July 13, 1956):
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Eric Clapton vs. Jimi Hendrix vs. John Lennon
Eric Clapton:
Jimi Hendrix:
John Lennon:
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 
Clapton and Hendrix were fun but mere appetizers for Lennon. John attacks it with a ferocity that belies his love for Elvis and the song.
BTW: This is footage from the recent HBO documentary on John and Yoko, One to One. I found the documentary, overall, to be sadly boring, however, the concert footage is excellent. The film is worth the watch solely for the One to One benefit concert that John and Yoko performed in Central Park.
Clapton performs a straight reading. Lennon’s live take packs a lot of energy and verve, and looks like fun to see in person. Hendrix gets today’s vote by freestyling a unique impromptu version.
I know I always get flak for this, but I’m old, cranky, and long past caring: I don’t like Elvis. I fully acknowledge his historical importance, his cultural impact, yada yada yada. I get it. I just don’t like the actual music.
“Jailhouse Rock”? No. “Heartbreak Hotel”? Hard no. “Hound Dog”? …fine. Tolerable. On a good day.
Didn’t care for Clapton’s version. Love Hendrix, and the footage is cool, but the performance itself didn’t do much for me.
But Lennon? Yes, he absolutely owns this one. He’s barking those lyrics with even more ferocity than he does on “Twist and Shout,” and it’s appreciated. That said—ugh—seeing Yoko onstage, with a microphone, is still mildly traumatic. Mercifully, someone (a hero, really) seems to have turned her mic off.
I adore Hound Dog, and I’m so glad you chose it for this week’s song! They were all very enjoyable. I really liked Eric Clapton’s, but I had to vote for John Lennon because the performance was amazing. The saxophone, the energy he brought to the vocals, it’s the best!
-Kayla