Tune du Jour: “It’s Only Love” – The Beatles
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Chrissie Hynde feat. Julian Lennon vs. The Grip Weeds vs. Gary U.S. Bonds with Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and Clarence Clemons
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The Original
The Beatles:
Fun Fact: The semaphore signals on The Beatles’ album Help do not spell out anything meaningful (i.e. NUJV).
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Chrissie Hynde feat. Julian Lennon vs. The Grip Weeds vs. Gary U.S. Bonds with Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and Clarence Clemons
Chrissie Hynde feat. Julian Lennon:
The Grip Weeds:
Gary U.S. Bonds with Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and Clarence Clemons:
Over the last two weeks I’ve hear Gary U.S. Bonds on the radio about five to ten times. No idea what’s spurring the revival …
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 have always liked this song although Lennon was quite dismissive of it in a book discussing his songs. It’s true there is nothing clever or meaningful in the lyrics but he sings it so well and the beautiful simplicity in the backing fits it nicely. I wasn’t crazy about any of the covers but I voted for Chrissie and Julian because her voice and choices are superior to everyone else. I thought I might pick Gary U.S. Bonds due to his unusual vocal but the freshness wore off as his take was too long. The Grip Weeds doomed themselves by copying the Beatles version too closely without it sounding nearly as good.
Such a nice song …
Chrissie and Julian do a lovely duet here. A-1.
Never heard of The Grip Weeds before but they knock out a respectable, albeit, unremarkable cover.
Springsteen really resurrected Bonds’ career in the ’80s, which must have been sweet for the guy.
Going with the Hynde/Lennon tandem here.
I love the original. Great melody, and John’s vocals are excellent. Relatively short and simple, but really hits the mark.
I voted Chrissie and Julian, who provided the best vocals. This isn’t a song that needs to be radically re-worked.
The Grip Weeds were competent but played it straight. This is such a good song so that’s okay.
Gary U.S. Bonds is a name I’ve seen around forever. The unusual stage name helped make him memorable, although I can’t name any of his material. If you’re hearing him frequently on the radio recently, I’m wondering what radio you’re listening to. Decent version, but not enough for the win.