I love covers. They don’t always live up to the predecessor, but they are great <snaps fingers repeatedly> conversation stimulaters! Whether its Hendrix charging Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” with a fierce charge of electricity or Ben Folds slyly ironic take on “Champagne Supernova,” covers leave the listener with something to think about. Today, I’ve included just a few that I adore.
I’ve always had an attachment to female pop groups like the Ronettes and The Shangri-Las. These sorts of acts dominated the early 60s. I can’t help but smile when “Leader of the Pack” or “Be My Baby” comes through the speakers. Getting a chance to drop a few quarters in a jukebox and hear something like “Give Him a Great Big Kiss” is even more pleasing. This has nothing to do with anything, beyond trying to illustrate my attachment to the tunes and my cautious excitement when I first downloaded The Morning Benders take on “He’s a Rebel.” Though the song is attributed to The Crystals, one of the most significant groups from the 60s, in actuality the lead vocals were recorded by Darlene Love while The Crystals were on tour. The fabulous Phil Spector was worried another artist was going to get a jump on him, so he rushed Ms. Love into the studio and the rest, as they say is history. With or without an educational footnote, however, the song is a true gem and has one of my favorite choruses of all time.
The cover version is by The Morning Benders, an indie rock outfit from Berkley, California. A few summers ago they released an album of covers (visit Perfect Porridge to get the album) for free consumption. From The Smiths to Roy Orbison, their covers project is top-notch through and through, but I think that this particular track is the standout. It is stripped down, but retains the youthful energy and earnestness of its predecessor.
But just because he doesn’t do what everybody else does,
That’s no reason why I can’t give him all my love.
The next track is Femme Fatale, as performed by Big Star. They are without question one of my favorite rock bands. While critics go on and on about how influential they were, the fact remains that they are still sorely over looked by most rock fans.
Written by Lou Reed at the behest of Andy Warhol, the song is purported to be about party girl socialite, Edie Sedgwick. While the original featured Nico on vocals with male backing, Big Star places Alex Chilton on lead vocals with Leesa Aldridge as female backup (also of note is the presence of the inimitable Steve Cropper on guitar). Where the original seems guarded and somewhat tight, this cover has a more loose, destructive feeling more in line with the subject.
Oh, yes. I’m heading out west to visit an Abba cover. No, I don’t particularly care for their pop confections, but I’ll be damned if Mamma Mia isn’t an infectious tune. And annoying as it might be, it generally plasters a smile on my face. I hope can for you as well, courtesy of Phoenix, Arizona’s own Miniature Tigers.
Wonderful Wednesday: Covers
I love covers. They don’t always live up to the predecessor, but they are great <snaps fingers repeatedly> conversation stimulaters! Whether its Hendrix charging Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” with a fierce charge of electricity or Ben Folds slyly ironic take on “Champagne Supernova,” covers leave the listener with something to think about. Today, I’ve included just a few that I adore.
I’ve always had an attachment to female pop groups like the Ronettes and The Shangri-Las. These sorts of acts dominated the early 60s. I can’t help but smile when “Leader of the Pack” or “Be My Baby” comes through the speakers. Getting a chance to drop a few quarters in a jukebox and hear something like “Give Him a Great Big Kiss” is even more pleasing. This has nothing to do with anything, beyond trying to illustrate my attachment to the tunes and my cautious excitement when I first downloaded The Morning Benders take on “He’s a Rebel.” Though the song is attributed to The Crystals, one of the most significant groups from the 60s, in actuality the lead vocals were recorded by Darlene Love while The Crystals were on tour. The fabulous Phil Spector was worried another artist was going to get a jump on him, so he rushed Ms. Love into the studio and the rest, as they say is history. With or without an educational footnote, however, the song is a true gem and has one of my favorite choruses of all time.
He's a Rebel-The Morning BendersThe cover version is by The Morning Benders, an indie rock outfit from Berkley, California. A few summers ago they released an album of covers (visit Perfect Porridge to get the album) for free consumption. From The Smiths to Roy Orbison, their covers project is top-notch through and through, but I think that this particular track is the standout. It is stripped down, but retains the youthful energy and earnestness of its predecessor.
But just because he doesn’t do what everybody else does,
That’s no reason why I can’t give him all my love.
The next track is Femme Fatale, as performed by Big Star. They are without question one of my favorite rock bands. While critics go on and on about how influential they were, the fact remains that they are still sorely over looked by most rock fans.
Femme Fatale-Big Star
Written by Lou Reed at the behest of Andy Warhol, the song is purported to be about party girl socialite, Edie Sedgwick. While the original featured Nico on vocals with male backing, Big Star places Alex Chilton on lead vocals with Leesa Aldridge as female backup (also of note is the presence of the inimitable Steve Cropper on guitar). Where the original seems guarded and somewhat tight, this cover has a more loose, destructive feeling more in line with the subject.
Oh, yes. I’m heading out west to visit an Abba cover. No, I don’t particularly care for their pop confections, but I’ll be damned if Mamma Mia isn’t an infectious tune. And annoying as it might be, it generally plasters a smile on my face. I hope can for you as well, courtesy of Phoenix, Arizona’s own Miniature Tigers.
Mamma Mia-Miniature Tigers