Tune du Jour: “I Misunderstood” – Richard Thompson
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Sally Barker vs. Mary Black vs. Dinosaur Jr.
VOTE, COMMENT, then DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF
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Such an acerbic Englishman!
The Original
Richard Thompson:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Sally Barker vs. Mary Black vs. Dinosaur Jr.
Sally Barker:
Mary Black:
Dinosaur Jr.:
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 
Sally Barker … slow, melodic opening followed by a burst! A bit frenetic, but in a good way. Damn good vocals here.
Mary Black … Cannot hear Mary’s lovely voice without thinking of her regal anthem to the island … Song For Ireland. The definitive version in my mind. But I digress … Here she delivers an emotional, almost haunting, take on Thompson’s contempt-ridden elegy.
Dinosaur Jr. totally obliterates the song, with a driving pulse of energy. Characteristically, killer guitar solos abound. Mascis’ vocals drip painful angst.
For me it came down to Barker and Black. Dinosaur Jr., while expert, cutting and energy-fueled, changes the song a bit more than I wanted it to be. Both women’s versions are pitch perfect. While Black’s vocals are pure elegance, Barker’s are a bit more urgent and desperate. Never heard of her before, but my vote goes to Sally Barker.
When Rich threw out to a thread to name top 5 Richard Thompson and Jonathan Richman songs I, being a list-making automaton, set to it. This one came in at #9 for Thompson indicating his depth of catalog. Also it’s fair to say that the distance between some of them are so slight than 7 could be 11 etc. I don’t know Sally
Barker but I think she sang it well but ai didn’t care for the overall recording. Mary Black flipped the gender roles and it fit perfectly l
have enjoyed her traditional takes on Irish music but I was wondering if this was too contemporary for her but no, her phrasing, voice, lovely accent and the overall sound was good. I also thought that Dinosaur Jr. might trample this acoustic gem like said creature on small flowers but I like their take. I think they retain their sound and offer an alternative delivery. Not better but besting the other choices for me.
Never heard of Sally Barker, but that was good. Also enjoyed Mary Black’s version, although neither of the ladies changed it much.
This might seem like an unlikely song for Dinosaur Jr. to cover, but I like they way they adapted it and put their spin on it. They get the vote.