Tune du Jour: “Sounds of Silence” – Simon and Garfunkel
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Bobaflex vs. Celtic Thunder vs. Bitches Sin vs. Puddles Pity Party
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The word “masterpiece” can sometimes be overused. Definitely NOT the case here!
The Original
Simon and Garfunkel:
My Favorite Version
From “Live Rhymin'”. I LOVE the way The Jesse Dixon Singers blend with Paul!
Paul Simon and The Jesse Dixon Singers:
Highly Acclaimed Cover
Some call this the “definitive modern cover”. Supposedly earned high praise from Paul Simon. Personally I’m not that impressed, which is why I left it out of the competition.
Disturbed:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Bobaflex vs. Celtic Thunder vs. Bitches Sin vs. Puddles Pity Party
Bobaflex:
Celtic Thunder:
Bitches Sin:
Puddles Pity Party:
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 
I liked all covers. I don’t know Disturbed, and I’m surprised to learn their version is considered the “definitive modern cover”.
Bobaflex was better than expected, Bitches Sin not bad. Puddles always sings well. But today’s vote goes to Celtic Thunder, whose vocals harmonies triumphed over the others.
I really like the way Bobaflex started out slow and reverent and then blasted off to a rocker. Nicely done but I don’t know what the hell was going on in that video.
Celtic Thunder’s vocals are wonderful and it’s a very nice version but I would have appreciated a little more of the Celtic touch.
The song is not built to be a rocker yet Bitches Sin somehow seems to remain reverent to the spirt of the original. Unusual delivery but I liked it.
Again, the clown garb just doesn’t work for such a serious and spiritual tome but that aside, Mike’s incomparable vocals are a triumph in this slow and haunting interpretation.
I liked what each entrant brought to the table, providing different sides to a truly national treasure of a song. Got to go with Puddles, as Mike’s vocals carried the day.
You know, a mediocre song gives you a bit more leeway for re-interpreting. But for a song this perfect, built on such great harmonies, I’m less tolerant of wild reinterpretations.
I liked Bobaflex’s version at first, but as it got more and more rocking, I found myself reconsidering that. It’s just not a song that’s meant to be that rousing. Plus, I know I’m in the minority here, but I just don’t want to see some stupid girl writhing in a video.
Same with Bitches Sin. It’s well-done and competent, but I just don’t like to hear the song done this way.
As for Puddles, Ugh. That clown outfit… I can’t get past it.
I went with Celtic Thunder’s beautiful harmonies. It wasn’t all that Celtic, but it was pretty nice.
I’m not sure how much you know about that Disturbed cover version. It is MASSIVE. It has over ONE BILLION views. Their live performance on Conan has over 150 MILLION views. Over 400 WEEKS on the Billboard charts, and is still charting over a decade later. It’s a monster hit, one of the biggest rock covers ever. Crazy. If you had included it in the covers today, I’d probably have voted for it. Sorry, but that operatic voice of the Disturbed guy runs roughshod over the Puddles guy.
I couldn’t care less how popular Disturbed’s version might be. I don’t like it. I can’t stand that faux tough guy persona. Pirate earrings, ridiculously steely face, how pretentious! The guy probably grew up in the suburbs with a silver spoon in his mouth! That guy’s a clown without the makeup. And, no, his voice is not any better than Geier’s …