Archive for the ‘THE CLASH of Cover Tunes’ Category

Burt Bacharach / Hal David / Richard Chamberlain: “They Long to Be Close to You”

Posted: February 11, 2015 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “They Long to Be Close to You” – Carpenters
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Hannah Cranna vs. Ethyl Meatplow
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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Everybody's Dressin' Funny ... Cover Me Impressed!

Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!

They Long to Be Close to You is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It was first recorded and released as a single in 1963 by Richard Chamberlain garnering precious little attention. However it was not a total lose for Rich; the single’s B-Side, Blue Guitar, would go on to be a minor hit. They Long to Be Close to You was next recorded  by Dionne Warwick and released in 1964. Bacharach himself also took a stab at it, releasing his own version in 1968.

But it was in 1970 that musical history would be made! A year earlier, two wild and crazy kids had caught Burt’s attention with their rousing cover of the Beatles’ Ticket to Ride. Burt contacted the sibling pair, Richard and Karen Carpenter, and suggested they arrange their own version of They Long to Be Close to You. They did, thereby producing a wretched travesty for the ages.  The single sold over a million copies. They Long to Be Close to You occupied number one pop for four weeks and went to number one adult contemporary later that summer. This horrific song also won the Carpenters a Grammy for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus and Best New Artist.

Yet, despite the years of torment we have all endured, involuntarily assaulted by this musical abomination at everywhere from restaurants, elevators, school choruses and commercials to our parents’ stereo, They Long to Be Close to You does claim one undeniable superlative; it is Homer and Marge Simpsons’ love song. They Long to Be Close to You played in the background as Homer Simpson first met and gazed upon Marge Bouvier and in time was the first song they danced to at their wedding.

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The Original

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Richard Chamberlain:

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The Most Popular

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Carpenters:

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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Hannah Cranna vs. Ethyl Meatplow

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Hannah Cranna:

Ethyl Meatplow:

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

Neil Diamond: “I’m A Believer”

Posted: February 9, 2015 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “I’m A Believer” – The Monkees
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: The Frank & Walters vs. Nina Hagen
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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And In My Hour of Need, I Truly Am Indeed, Alone Again, Broccoli ...

I Thought Love Was Just a Bowl of Broccoli …

I’m A Believer was composed and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1966. It was released on his album Just for You in 1967. However, in November 1966, The Monkees recorded and released the song to immediate fanfare. I’m a Believer amazingly ranks as the third most popular rock song of the ’60s, behind only the Beatles’ Hey Jude and I Want to Hold Your Hand. It spent seven weeks at number one in America, hit the top of the charts in Britain as well, and charted in over a dozen countries.

The Original

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Neil Diamond:

This version is just plain weird. It sounds like…well… it sounds like Neil Diamond is singing it…some things are just not right!

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The Most Popular

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The Monkees:

There, now that sounds much better…

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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The Frank & Walters vs. Nina Hagen

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The Frank & Walters:

Nina Hagen:

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day and time of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

ACDC: “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock ‘n’ Roll)”

Posted: February 6, 2015 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock ‘n’ Roll)” – ACDC
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Dropkick Murphys vs. Pat Boone
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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Everybody's Dressin' Funny ... Cover Me Impressed!

Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!

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ACDC, what could you say? You either loved them or hated them! I did not love them. But, gee wizz, on Cover Me Impressed such disdain matters not. If there’s a decent cover out there then there will always be a place for the covered band on CMI. Even ACDC. Hmmm, I think I’ll go take a shower now…

 

The Original

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ACDC:

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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Dropkick Murphys vs. Pat Boone

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Dropkick Murphys:

Pat Boone:

This is from Pat’s album No More Mr. Nice Guy. Sadly I am not kidding.

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to seven days from the day and time of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

Pink Floyd: “Money”

Posted: February 4, 2015 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “Money” – Pink Floyd
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Easy Star All-Stars vs. Flaming Lips (feat Henry Rollins)
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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Everybody's Dressin' Funny ... Cover Me Impressed!

Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!

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Pink Floyd’s first hit in the United States, Money, from the band’s seminal album The Dark Side of the Moon.

The Original

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Pink Floyd:

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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Easy Star All-Stars vs. The Flaming Lips (featuring Henry Rollins)

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Easy Star All-Stars:

The Flaming Lips (featuring Henry Rollins):

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to 3 months from the day and time of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

John Lennon: “Imagine”

Posted: February 2, 2015 in Reigning Pooh-Bah Maximus of Cover Tune, THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “Imagine” – John Lennon
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Eddie Vedder vs. Neil Young
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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"Free markets will not prevail without unfettered competition among cover songs." - Milton Friedbyrd

“Free markets will not prevail without unfettered competition among cover songs.” – Milton Friedbyrd

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Gadzooks! It has been exactly one year today since my last post. Due to family flapdoodles too numerous to count, as well as general malaise, I apostatized from my righteous charge of disseminating Cover Tunes. But I’ve recently awakened and recommitted myself to spreading the felicity that is reprocessed tunage. So from this day forward – and for at least a week or two more – Cover Me Impressed will rise from the slag heap of long-defunct blogs! With its second-coming there will be some subtle changes. For one, CMI will no longer offer a daily CLASH of Cover Tunes. The plan is to publish three, maybe four, CLASHes per week. Also the voting period will be significantly increased from the one week time frame used in the past to 3 months. And lastly, from hereon out, any visitors that do not vote will be haunted over the next three nights (as the last stroke of twelve has ceased to vibrate, to be exact) by three spirits. And I’m here to tell ya, entertaining the Ghost of Cover Songs Yet To Come is by no means a joyous occasion. That is one tedious specter! And believe me, he will bore you to tears right through to the daylight hours with his insipid tales of self-important minutia!!

 

CMI’s inaugural blog and CLASH of Cover Tunes pitted two venerable old codgers – David Bowie and Neil Young – crooning their covers of John Lennon’s immortal masterpiece Imagine. Neil won that bout with 84% of the vote. For the sake of symmetry (and the fact that it is Doug Zaner’s favorite John Lennon song) we’ll reintroduce the blog with Neil defending his rendition of Imagine versus Eddie Vedder’s contribution.

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The Original

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Lennon:

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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Vedder vs. Young
Vedder:

Young:

Young holds the distinction of being CMI’s Reigning Exultant Virtuosic Performer of “Imagine“. Additionally, Young is a recipient of CMI’s universally coveted title of Bi Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold orange!

Young’s triumphal exploits in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competitions are detailed below:

10/18/2013 – “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” (Bob Dylan) – Neil Young with Booker T & The MGs (100%) throttle Robyn Hitchcock (00%)

9/27/2013 – “Imagine” (John Lennon) – Neil Young (84%) wallops David Bowie (16%)

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to three months from the day of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

Johnny Cash: “Give My Love to Rose”

Posted: February 2, 2014 in Reigning Pooh-Bah Maximus of Cover Tune, THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “Give My Love to Rose” – Johnny Cash
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: On Guard vs. Bruce Springsteen
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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Broccoli For Miles And Miles And Miles And Miles And Miles ... Oh Yeah!

Broccoli For Miles And Miles And Miles And Miles And Miles … Oh Yeah!

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Vintage Cash. Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two recorded Give My Love to Rose in 1957 at the legendary Sun Records studio. Give My Love to Rose was also included on the 1968 live album At Folsom Prison, which featured June Carter, Carl Perkins and the Tennessee Three (my how they grow right before your eyes!) backing up the Man in Black. And Johnny also recorded a new version of Give My Love to Rose in 2002 for what was to be the last album released in his lifetime, American IV: The Man Comes Around (American V: A Hundred Highways was released posthumously in 2006).

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The Original: 1957

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Johnny Cash & The Tennessee Two:

Original … Well, not exactly. You’ve all heard the original Sun Studio version but this 1957 cut from the Tex Ritter television show might be a new experience.

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At Folsom Prison: 1968

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Johnny Cash, June Carter, Carl Perkins & The Tennessee Three:

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American IV: The Man Comes Around: 2002

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Johnny Cash:

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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On Guard vs. Bruce Springsteen
On Guard:

Bruce Springsteen:

Bruce Springsteen is a recipient of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold yellow.

Bruce Springsteen’s triumphal performance in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competition is detailed below:

12/9/2013 – “Love Of The Common People” (The Four Preps) – Bruce Springsteen & The Sessions Band (67%) repel Stiff Little Fingers (33%)

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to seven days from the day and time of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

Phil Ochs: “When I’m Gone”

Posted: January 31, 2014 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “When I’m Gone” – Phil Ochs
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Eric Andersen vs. Ani Difranco
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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"Free markets will not prevail without unfettered competition among cover songs." - Milton Friedbyrd

“Free markets will not prevail without unfettered competition among cover songs.” – Milton Friedbyrd

When I’m Gone is one of many terrific songs that Phil Ochs penned. It first appeared in 1966 on Phil’s third album Phil Ochs in Concert. The song focuses on the need to live a fulfilling and effectual life in that our time is limited; you’re not going to achieve any aspirations (or affect social change) when your gone, so you’ll just have to do it while your here.

In retrospect, it is quite sad for a Phil Ochs fan to hear him sing these lines. He wrote When I’m Gone early in his career when he undoubtedly was still full of youthful idealism regarding what well-intentioned people could accomplish for the greater good. While displaying not a hint of sappiness, it is a hopeful, albeit, pragmatic song of the vast possibilities that lie ahead for a young adult. The fact that a mere ten years later he had become so jaded and depressed that he took his own life is truly tragic. As I’ve said many times in my posts, Phil Ochs is one of my favorite topical musicians. Yet, at times I can’t help but be resentful that he chose suicide. We was a national treasure. His cutting wit and fearless commentary would have been put to great use in the tumultuous decades following his death. Bob Dylan once said of Phil, “I just can’t keep up with Phil. And he just keeps getting better and better and better”. Unfortunately, Phil can’t add his name into the fight now that he’s I’m gone …

The Original

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Phil Ochs

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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Eric Andersen vs. Ani Difranco

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Erci Andersen:

Ani Difranco:

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to seven days from the day and time of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”

Posted: January 30, 2014 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Minutemen vs. The Ramones
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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Everybody's Dressin' Funny ... Cover Me Impressed!

Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!

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GREAT SONG! Along with Fortunate Son probably Creedence Clearwater Revival’s two greatest numbers (although I’ve also always had a soft spot for Someday Never Comes and Long as I Can See the Light). Have You Ever Seen the Rain  was written by John Fogerty and released as a single in 1971. It had originally appeared on CCR’s album Pendulum, released in 1970. The song charted highest in Canada, reaching number one on the RPM 100 national album chart in March 1971. In the US, it peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the same year. In the UK, it reached number 36.

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The Original

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Credence Clearwater Revival:

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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Minutemen vs. The Ramones

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Minutemen:

The Ramones:

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to seven days from the day and time of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

Pete Seeger: May 3, 1919 – January 27, 2014

Posted: January 29, 2014 in THE CLASH of Cover Tunes, Uncategorized
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Pete Seeger back to the camera

I don’t recall feeling worse over the passing of a person who I never knew or met. Pete Seeger, quite simply, was one of my favorite people. He seemed to embody everything that was good in the world.

Pete Seeger extending hand

MUSICIAN PETE SEEGER SINGS AMAZING GRACE DURING A CONCERT CELEBRATING HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY IN NEW YORKspace
“Turn, Turn, Turn”
Nina Simone:

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Always on the right side of the issues.

Pete Seeger & Bob Dylan

“Where Have All The Flower Gone”
Peter Seeger:

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Never bowing to McCarthy nor the seemingly endless procession of right-wing thugs to follow.

Pete Seeger young with banjo

“Bells of Rhymney”
Robyn Hitchcock:

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Always ready to fight – nonviolently, of course – for the dispossessed and downtrodden.

Pete Seeger young by truck

“Little Boxes”
Pete Seeger:

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Always ready to speak his mind regardless of perils or consequences

Pete Seeger old playing outdoors

“Waist Deep in the Big Muddy”
Dick Gaughan:

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And always, always, always optimistic of the future.

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Pete Seeger faraway look

“We Shall Overcome”
Pete Seeger:

Pete Seeger holding banjo happy hatPete_Seeger old with guitar

The Clash: “Guns of Brixton”

Posted: January 28, 2014 in Reigning Pooh-Bah Maximus of Cover Tune, THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
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Tune du Jour: “Guns of Brixton” – The Clash
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: The Bandits vs. Nouvelle Vague
Peruse, Comment and Vote (I Beseech, Implore and Urge Thee, respectively)
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"Free markets will not prevail without unfettered competition among cover songs." - Milton Friedbyrd

“Free markets will not prevail without unfettered competition among cover songs.” – Milton Friedbyrd

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Guns of Brixton was released in 1979 on The Clash’s spectacular third album, London Calling. It was the first song recorded by The Clash that was written and composed by Paul Simonon.  It was also the band’s first song to feature Simonon as lead vocalist. The Guns of Brixton was initially not released as a single. A remastered version was subsequently released as a single in July 1990, which reached number 57 on the UK Singles Chart (better late then never I suppose).

Brilliant song! One of my favorites.

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The Original

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The Clash:

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THE CLASH of Cover Tunes

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The Bandits vs. Nouvelle Vague
The Bandits:

The Bandits hold the distinction of being CMI’s Reigning Exultant Virtuosic Performer of “Guns of Brixton“. Additionally, The Bandits are recipients of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication. Among the title’s myriad of rewards and benefits, perhaps most desirous is that it bestows upon the recipient the eminently yearned for privilege of having one’s name appear in print media in bold yellow.

The Bandits‘ triumphal performance in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competition is detailed below:

10/31/2013 – “Guns of Brixton” (The Clash) – The Bandits (86%) expunge Honeydippers (14%)

Nouvelle Vague:

Nouvelle Vague means “new wave” in English and “bossa nova” in Portuguese. The band was the brainchild of producers Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux, the concept being to remake classic new wave singles with a Brazilian pop twist. To add an unusual edge to the project, Collin and Libaux recruited French and Brazilian vocalists who were unfamiliar with the original versions of songs. The resulting songs were generally very interesting and, at times, excellent interpretations of the original material.

And will you look at this?!!? Nouvelle Vague has no reason to be intimidated as they too are recipients of CMI’s universally coveted title of Uni Victor Melodious Maximus in Adversarial Replication.

Nouvelle Vague’s triumphal performance in CMI’s THE CLASH of Cover Tunes competition is detailed below:

12/2/2013 – “Making Plans for Nigel” (XTC) – Nouvelle Vague (100%) trounce Franzi (0%)

Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?

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Votes can be cast up to seven days from the day and time of the original post.

Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.

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