Tune du Jour: “Johnny Was” – Bob Marley and The Wailers
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Shahar Mintz vs. Nico Bereciartua feat. Felipe Agote vs. Mike Cavano
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
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I did not realize until now that “Johnny Was” was written by Rita Marley. Makes so much sense though. The song definitely exhibits the sensibilities of a grieving mother.
The Original
Bob Marley and The Wailers:
Stiff Little Fingers:
I would not affront Bob’s legacy by suggesting someone else performed a “definitive version” of this beautiful lament. At the same time, I could not include the SLF version in the competition as it would have been patently unfair to the other contestants.
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Shahar Mintz vs. Nico Bereciartua feat. Felipe Agote vs. Mike Cavano
Shahar Mintz:
Nico Bereciartua feat. Felipe Agote:
Mike Cavano (of reggae-dub-rock band, Suburban Sunrise):
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 
Both Mintz and Cavano deliver excellent acoustic interpretations. Passionate, reverent and expertly performed. I especially liked Cavano’s rendition.
But could you really ask for more than what Bereciartua and crew deliver? Short of SLF a simply superlative effort!
Shahar Mintz did a good cover, but still comes in third place in today’s competition. Also his first name doesn’t fit with his last name.
Cavano was surprisingly good, guitar and vocals both strong on his effort.
The middle act wins today. Vocals strong and the band was on point.
From the first reggae album to reach my ears. Kerry bought it as an import from Record Haven if I recall correctly. Stiff Little Fingers move it from Kingston to Belfast and absolutely slay it. I know nothing of any competitors today. Shahar Mintz goes very simple, sparse and relaxed with his take. Enjoyable but unlikely to win. Next up Nico, Felipe and crew. Really helps to flesh it out with more musicians. Electric piano was very tasty and Nico’s (guessing) guitar especially sounded good. Strong vocal (Felipe?) as well. Mike Cavano brought a strong vibe playing much more percussive style guitar and bringing more soul and emotion to the vocal. I think his performance got stronger as the song evolved. He made it close but the full band was hard to beat. Nico and friends win.
I like Shahar Mintz’s version: the simplicity and straightforward approach. But it does sound great with a full band behind it, and Nico nailed it. Agree about SLF doing the definitive version. I was lucky to see SLF perform it live in 1982, I believe, at the Peppermint Lounge.