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.