Tune du Jour: “Wall of Death” – Richard and Linda Thompson
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: The Wrockers vs. R.E.M. vs. Redhill Rats vs. Pete and Maura Kennedy
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
CoverMeImpressed.blog CoverMeImpressed.blog CoverMeImpressed.blog
While “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight” is my favorite Richard and Linda Thompson song, this one might be the pair’s greatest musical accomplishment …
The Original
Richard and Linda Thompson:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
The Wrockers vs. R.E.M. vs. Redhill Rats vs. Pete and Maura Kennedy
The Wrockers:
R.E.M.:
Redhill Rats:
Pete and Maura Kennedy:
Pete and Maura slightly edged out Nanci Griffith for the final slot, due almost solely to Maura’s unabashed enthusiasm at the song’s outset!
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 
What a GREAT song!!!
Having a female lead is interesting but The Wrockers’ version is totally devoid of energy and enthusiasm.
I have heard R.E.M.’s version many times and it is masterful. Stipe’s vocals are excellent.
The Redhill Rats bring a nice Finnish touch to the song. I really liked the vocals and guitar work here.
Maura and Pete do a lovely duet with some nice guitar work by Pete but the sound quality is not the greatest.
And … the Fins take it!!!
All contestants stayed close to the style of the original.
Pete and Maura might have received more consideration with better sound recording.
I’ll amaze the masses and vote R.E.M. for the first time in my career. Hope they don’t find out I don’t have any of their material in my collection.
All right! Great song. Let’s get to the contenders, offenders and pretenders. Wrockers: Take one? Was that a run-through? A guide vocal? Tentative lead and harmony vocals. Pace a tad slow. Not fully committed. The Kennedys: I really like Maura. She brought energy and a fine performance. Pete another reluctant singer. He is primarily a guitarist but maybe they needed a third Kennedy. REM: coated in a haze, moved smoothly along with sweetening of pedal steel and piano. Just seemed like they were holding something back. Playing not to lose will get you beat as the Hall of Famers go down to 15 seed Redhill Rats. No idea who they are but voices sound like across the Atlantic. A bit more spirited. All on the same page. Hearing them made me think that June Tabor & The Oyster Band would likely do well with this song.
I’ve liked REM from day one, and have come to love them even more as the years go by. I love Michael Stipe’s voice, and it’s just so good here. I had to give to them today.