» OLD MESSAGE ARCHIVES «
The Pop Culture Information Society...
Messageboard Archive Index, In The 00s - The Pop Culture Information Society
Welcome to the archived messages from In The 00s. This archive stretches back to 1998 in some instances, and contains a nearly complete record of all the messages posted to inthe00s.com. You will also find an archive of the messages from inthe70s.com, inthe80s.com, inthe90s.com and amiright.com before they were combined to form the inthe00s.com messageboard.
If you are looking for the active messages, please click here. Otherwise, use the links below or on the right hand side of the page to navigate the archives.
Custom Search
This is a topic from the More Than a Decade forum on inthe00s.
Subject: Henk's Covers Corner - #41. The Only Way Is Up
Written By: Henk on 06/27/10 at 8:51 am
Well, it's not really a corner... ::) but it is all about covers. I'll just be posting one a week (with or without comment).
The good, the bad, the popular, the obscure, the new, the old...any cover. I hope you enjoy.
Green Door
Original version by: Jim Lowe & the High Fives
Year: 1956
Chart positions: US #1, UK #8
Cover version by: Shakin' Stevens
Year: 1981
Chart positions: UK #1, NL #5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wel1liTYHY0&NR=1
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: whistledog on 06/27/10 at 11:20 am
I have the 12" single of Shaky's version, as well as the UK, US and Canadian versions of the Album it is on, as well as the UK and North American versions of his 1984 Greatest Hits album that it is also on, and 2 of his further GH collections on CD. In total, I have 5 Shaky albums that this is on LOL
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: CatwomanofV on 06/27/10 at 2:31 pm
Cool idea for a thread, Henk. May I make a suggestion? Why not include the original (if you can) so people can compare the original to the cover?
Cat
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Philip Eno on 06/27/10 at 2:46 pm
Let me know when you choose to do Yesterday by The Beatles.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Henk on 06/27/10 at 4:26 pm
Cool idea for a thread, Henk. May I make a suggestion? Why not include the original (if you can) so people can compare the original to the cover?
Cat
I have thought about doing that, but I'm not sure I can find a video for the original version in all cases. That's why I decided against it.
But maybe I need to reconsider.
Let me know when you choose to do Yesterday by The Beatles.
I didn't know that was a cover, Philip. ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: gibbo on 06/27/10 at 6:15 pm
I'm not certain that I have ever heard the original...but I knew it was a remake of an older song. I quite liked Shakin' Stevens version at the time... :)
Nice thread Henk... :)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Philip Eno on 06/28/10 at 1:16 am
I didn't know that was a cover, Philip. ;)
Yesterday is reputed to be the most covered song with more than 3,000 recorded cover versions.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Paul on 06/28/10 at 1:39 am
Although 'Green Door' did indeed hit #1 in Britain in 1981, it also topped the lists 24 years earlier in a version by high-kickin' Frankie Vaughan...
Shaky raided the back catalogues of various artists many times in his career, from the sublime ('It's Raining' - Irma Thomas) to the ridiculous ('This Ole House' - Rosemary Clooney)...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Henk on 06/28/10 at 3:28 pm
Although 'Green Door' did indeed hit #1 in Britain in 1981, it also topped the lists 24 years earlier in a version by high-kickin' Frankie Vaughan...
I know there are other cover versions. I just picked one that I know and like, rather randomly.
Shaky raided the back catalogues of various artists many times in his career, from the sublime ('It's Raining' - Irma Thomas) to the ridiculous ('This Ole House' - Rosemary Clooney)...
What's wrong with Shaky's Ole House? ???
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Paul on 06/28/10 at 3:36 pm
What's wrong with Shaky's Ole House? ???
Just a rather odd choice of cover for anyone, let alone Shaky...
That and the fact that it grates on me, probably due to being played to death back in the day...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Henk on 07/03/10 at 3:05 am
OK, so rather than going through the cover versions database rather haphazardly, I decided to a more structural approach. How's about somewhat alphabetically? ::) Which means we (or rather, I) start with letter A.
Agadoo
Yes, one of the most annoying songs ever to be recorded (according to many Brits).
Originally recorded in French, but I'll stick to the English version here.
The first to record an English version (at least, to my knowledge) were these lot:
Artist: Saragossa Band
Year: 1981
Chart positions: NL #33
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK59_rj_zck
And three years later, it was time for...
Artist: Black Lace
Year: 1984
Chart positions: UK #2
(..and you thought THEY were bad! ;D)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POv-3yIPSWc
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Philip Eno on 07/03/10 at 3:16 am
OK, so rather than going through the cover versions database rather haphazardly, I decided to a more structural approach. How's about somewhat alphabetically? ::) Which means we (or rather, I) start with letter A.
Agadoo
Yes, one of the most annoying songs ever to be recorded (according to many Brits).
Originally recorded in French, but I'll stick to the English version here.
The first to record an English version (at least, to my knowledge) were these lot:
Artist: Saragossa Band
Year: 1981
Chart positions: NL #33
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK59_rj_zck
And three years later, it was time for...
Artist: Black Lace
Year: 1984
Chart positions: UK #2
(..and you thought THEY were bad! ;D)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POv-3yIPSWc
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Henk on 07/03/10 at 3:23 am
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Annoying, what? ;D :D ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Philip Eno on 07/03/10 at 3:25 am
Annoying, what? ;D :D ;)
This song has been (or was) played continuously at parties at it's height and seemed to drag on for years to come.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: whistledog on 07/03/10 at 8:53 am
The original French version of Agadou was I believe the 1974 version by Quebec born Patrick Zabe.
I like the Black Lace version because it's so cheesy. Agadoo was not popular in Canadian mainstream in any version, but it did inspire a popular TV commercial for the Canadian version of Kellogg's Mini-Wheats ...
I'd post a clip of the commercial, but my PS3 won't let me paste or type the link.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Paul on 07/04/10 at 3:57 pm
Pushing pineapples and shaking trees was the thing! :D
One of those songs which inexplicably 'clicked', not sure why or how! Normally, continental songs like this hit the British psyche after the summer break, but Black Lace's effort was charting before people packed their buckets and spades!
And by hell, we couldn't get rid of it! It hung around like a bad smell for 30 long weeks, one of the longest-running charters of 1984!
Of course, no self-respecting mobile DJ (yes, ahem! myself included!) couldn't be without it, which probably assisted the sales...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Henk on 07/10/10 at 12:19 am
Black Lace never made a dent in Dutch charts, unlike the next artist. They had three Top 40 hits, and this was the biggest of the three:
Big In Japan
Artist: Alphaville
Year: 1984
Chart positions: US #66, UK #8, NL #2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c98qdFQF7sw
The (rather obscure) cover version is by another German band.
Granted, they took some liberties with the lyrics, but it's still a cover version IMO.
Artist: Guano Apes
Year: 2000
Chart positions: US/UK/NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEfXikefBIg
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #3. Big In Japan
Written By: Frank on 07/10/10 at 12:22 pm
I liked the song "Big in Japan" from Alphaville, a good hit from the early 80s. I REALLY liekd Forever young by them, one of my favorite songs from the whole decade.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #3. Big In Japan
Written By: nally on 07/10/10 at 12:23 pm
I liked the song "Big in Japan" from Alphaville, a good hit from the early 80s. I REALLY liekd Forever young by them, one of my favorite songs from the whole decade.
Those are the only two songs I know of theirs, and they're both really good.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #3. Big In Japan
Written By: gibbo on 07/10/10 at 8:12 pm
Never heard of the band or the song... :-\\
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #3. Big In Japan
Written By: Henk on 07/11/10 at 12:43 am
Never heard of the band or the song... :-\\
Which band: Alphaville or Guano Apes? Probably both.
It's a pity Alphaville never made it in Australia. 'Big In Japan' and 'Forever Young' are considered something of a classic over here.
Guano Apes only have one international hit to boast: 'Open Your Eyes' made #24 in US Mainstream Rock charts, and #18 in Dutch Top 40.
Those are the only two songs I know of theirs, and they're both really good.
Their third hit single was 'Sounds Like A Melody', which also made Top 10 in Holland. (Unlike 'Forever Young', which got stuck at #18)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #3. Big In Japan
Written By: whistledog on 07/11/10 at 9:42 am
Cover won't load for me. Sony has blocked it from my country.
I do like the Alphaville original. It was also a minor hit in Canada reaching #67
I have the 'Forever Young' album on cassette, CD and Vinyl. I love the album version of it, opening with a gong
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #3. Big In Japan
Written By: Paul on 07/11/10 at 11:05 am
Unlike the normal route with Euro hits, 'Big In Japan' really sold in Britain on the back of blanket airplay by a pirate radio station of the time...Laser 558
Although primarily a US venture, Laser was placed conveniently placed in the North Sea and fed most of Britain and northwest Europe with a slew of tracks which, although popular in Europe, would normally have been ignored by the BBC stations...this was but one of them...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #3. Big In Japan
Written By: Henk on 07/17/10 at 11:00 am
Caravan Of Love
Original Artists: Isley Jasper Isley
Year: 1985
Chart positions: US #51, UK dnc, NL #21
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uuuh4ysLagY
Cover Artists: Housemartins
Year: 1986
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #1, NL #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOjG91LX8Wg
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #4. Caravan Of Love
Written By: gibbo on 07/17/10 at 4:13 pm
This is a tough choice. I don't recall the song (so I assume ut did not appeal to me at that time...or I never heard it maybe.. :-\\). I liked Isley Jasper Isley's voice quality more...but found myself drawn into The Housemartin's version more....
Nice song (both versions)... :)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #4. Caravan Of Love
Written By: whistledog on 07/17/10 at 10:29 pm
Both versions are great, but I am more familiar with The Housemartins version. It never became a hit in this part of world, but it was released as a single here and was promoted with the video getting a fair amount of play.
I proudly own the 45 8)
It helped push The Housemartins album 'London 0 Hull 4' to peak at #50 here, but that song I do believe was a single only release
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #4. Caravan Of Love
Written By: Henk on 07/18/10 at 12:55 am
This is a tough choice.
I agree.
I don't recall the song (so I assume ut did not appeal to me at that time...or I never heard it maybe.. :-\\). I liked Isley Jasper Isley's voice quality more...but found myself drawn into The Housemartin's version more....
Nice song (both versions)... :)
Both versions are great, but I am more familiar with The Housemartins version. It never became a hit in this part of world, but it was released as a single here and was promoted with the video getting a fair amount of play.
I proudly own the 45 8)
It helped push The Housemartins album 'London 0 Hull 4' to peak at #50 here, but that song I do believe was a single only release
I don't really recall the IJI version, so I assume it didn't get heavy airplay at the time. Not as much as the Housemartins got a year later, anyway.
What kinda ruins the Housemartins version for me is the goofy video.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #4. Caravan Of Love
Written By: whistledog on 07/19/10 at 9:16 am
I agree.
I don't really recall the IJI version, so I assume it didn't get heavy airplay at the time. Not as much as the Housemartins got a year later, anyway.
What kinda ruins the Housemartins version for me is the goofy video.
The video was kind of goofy, but all their videos were. I wonder if Norman Cook looks back on those and is like "What the hell was I thinking?" LOL
It was a shame the Housemartins never had single success in North America. The first related success they had on the single charts here in Canada was 'Song For Whoever' by The Beautiful South in 1990.
In the States, I don't think it was until Fatboy Slim with Rockafeller Skank.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #4. Caravan Of Love
Written By: Paul on 07/19/10 at 1:54 pm
Oh dear...not a vintage one for me this, in whatever version! :-\\
The Isley Jasper Isley original was, to put it mildly, tedious and The Housemartins' effort was doubly worse... :P
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #4. Caravan Of Love
Written By: Henk on 07/19/10 at 2:01 pm
Oh dear...not a vintage one for me this, in whatever version! :-\\
The Isley Jasper Isley original was, to put it mildly, tedious and The Housemartins' effort was doubly worse... :P
Well, you get some karma anyway. ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #4. Caravan Of Love
Written By: Henk on 07/24/10 at 12:56 am
Time for a new one...#5 in the series.
Dust In The Wind
Original artist: Kansas
Year: 1977
Chart positions: US #6, UK dnc, NL #19
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPXLCnYm4z8
Cover by: Conspiracy
Year: 1992
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL #13 (Dance Top 30)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQupd2R_COA
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #5. Dust In The Wind
Written By: whistledog on 07/24/10 at 5:53 pm
I still like the original Kansas better, but that Conspiracy version wasn't bad.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #5. Dust In The Wind
Written By: Frank on 07/24/10 at 6:01 pm
Dust in the wind (By Kansas) was one of my favorite songs of that year 1977 and a favorite for those at parties who brought an acoustic guitar., and campfires, picnics.
I Haven't heard the cover version, will give it a go.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #5. Dust In The Wind
Written By: gibbo on 07/24/10 at 8:33 pm
Sorry...but for me... the remake killed the song. The Kansas original is too iconic a song to play with in this manner. The acoustic guitar (and violin) was integral to that song as was the lead singers voice tones. It all came together and worked so well (and still does). The remake is filled with those 90's synthesizers and heavy (but fake) drum machine beats. Honestly...I couldn't watch beyond the middle of that clip. The song became very bland and ordinary...
Kansas were a greatly underrated band. Carry On Wayward Son was also a great song of theirs...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #5. Dust In The Wind
Written By: Henk on 07/25/10 at 1:01 am
I still like the original Kansas better, but that Conspiracy version wasn't bad.
I've been trying to find some information on Conspiracy, but came up empty. I can't even tell you what country he's from (Spain? France? :-\\), and judging by his vocal skills he's probably more of a producer than a singer. But these are just guesses.
Dust in the wind (By Kansas) was one of my favorite songs of that year 1977 and a favorite for those at parties who brought an acoustic guitar., and campfires, picnics.
I Haven't heard the cover version, will give it a go.
You refrain from comment...? ::)
Sorry...but for me... the remake killed the song. The Kansas original is too iconic a song to play with in this manner. The acoustic guitar (and violin) was integral to that song as was the lead singers voice tones. It all came together and worked so well (and still does). The remake is filled with those 90's synthesizers and heavy (but fake) drum machine beats. Honestly...I couldn't watch beyond the middle of that clip. The song became very bland and ordinary...
Kansas were a greatly underrated band. Carry On Wayward Son was also a great song of theirs...
There are other cover versions of the song that stick to the original more (by German band Scorpions, for instance). I picked this one because I was sure it would spark some controversy. ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #5. Dust In The Wind
Written By: Frank on 07/25/10 at 9:30 am
You refrain from comment...? ::)
I have to agree with gibbo (I've been doing that so much this year, it scares me ;D) Kansas's version had a peaceful soothing feeling to it.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #5. Dust In The Wind
Written By: Paul on 07/27/10 at 5:45 am
Put me down as another 'no' on this remake...
A lot of these remakes seem to follow a pattern...take a fairly half-decent rock/pop number of years gone by and slap a synth/drum track on it...
Sometimes it works, but on this occasion...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #5. Dust In The Wind
Written By: Henk on 07/31/10 at 1:50 pm
Little later than usual, but here's #6. Probably less controversial, this one. ;)
Easy
Original artist: Commodores
Year: 1977
Chart positions: US #4, UK #9, NL #49
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIRGNzVIz6Y
Cover by: Faith No More
Year: 1992
Chart positions: US #58, UK #3, NL #11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1WAMNIunKc
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #6. (I'm) Easy
Written By: Henk on 08/02/10 at 2:26 pm
* BUMP *
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #6. (I'm) Easy
Written By: Paul on 08/02/10 at 4:03 pm
Fair-to-middling cover of a fair-to-middling original...
The only real surprise here was why the good folk of Britain saw fit to make this FNM's biggest ever hit!
While virtually ignoring the powerful 'Epic' in the process... ???
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #6. (I'm) Easy
Written By: Henk on 08/02/10 at 4:33 pm
The only real surprise here was why the good folk of Britain saw fit to make this FNM's biggest ever hit!
While virtually ignoring the powerful 'Epic' in the process... ???
Same happened in Holland! Epic only made it to 47 over here. :(
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #6. (I'm) Easy
Written By: gibbo on 08/02/10 at 6:07 pm
I alwways liked Lionel Richie's vocals...so the original is the one for me. I have never liked Faith No More...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #6. (I'm) Easy
Written By: Henk on 08/08/10 at 1:26 am
I'm sure people will love this next cover... ::) #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Feel The Need (In Me)
Original artists: Detroit Emeralds
Year: 1973
Chart positions: US #90, UK #4, NL #12
(Sadly, no complete video available)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30ODvKw4llY
Cover by: Forrest
Year: 1983
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #17, NL #24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trYCtCHTCPo
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Written By: whistledog on 08/09/10 at 6:25 am
Shakin' Stevens also had a hit with 'Feel the Need in Me', the one I like best. Was never a fan of the original, but Forrest's version is also good.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Written By: Paul on 08/09/10 at 9:02 am
Shakin' Stevens also had a hit with 'Feel the Need in Me', the one I like best.
Bleh! He was getting desperate at this point! :P
Amazingly, before Shaky & the hairy monster got a hold of it, it was covered by the Detroit Emeralds again!
Their re-recorded version (retitled 'Feel The Need'), for no apparent reason, was a fair sized British hit in 1977...
There's not a great deal of difference between the two, apart from the remake being slightly faster in tempo...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Written By: whistledog on 08/10/10 at 7:05 pm
Bleh! He was getting desperate at this point! :P
He was desparate from the get go lol. Almost everything he did was a cover. It was shocking when 'Oh Julie', one of the few songs he did write, became a US Top 40 hit for Barry Manilow
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Written By: Henk on 08/20/10 at 5:04 am
Nobody seemed to have noticed that I haven't been posting here in nearly two weeks. Makes me wonder... :-\\
Anyway - going away for a two weeks vacation now.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Written By: whistledog on 08/20/10 at 9:50 am
We want more covers. It's interesting, as some I didn't know of :)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #6. (I'm) Easy
Written By: gibbo on 08/20/10 at 4:57 pm
I'm sure people will love this next cover... ::) #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Feel The Need (In Me)
Original artists: Detroit Emeralds
Year: 1973
Chart positions: US #90, UK #4, NL #12
(Sadly, no complete video available)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30ODvKw4llY
Cover by: Forrest
Year: 1983
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #17, NL #24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trYCtCHTCPo
Never heard this song before ...but think I preferred the Forrest version... :-\\
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Written By: Henk on 09/11/10 at 2:03 am
Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Original artist: T. Rex
Year: 1971
Chart positions: US #10, UK #1, NL #15
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XspsJACj8WY
Cover by: Power Station
Year: 1985
Chart positions: US #9, UK #22, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieOwL1UB1V4
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: whistledog on 09/11/10 at 3:59 pm
Bolan's version is great, and a well loved classic, but Palmer's version raised the bar. It's in my Top 10 of best cover songs ever!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: nally on 09/11/10 at 4:31 pm
Now this is a cover that I am familiar worth. Both it and the original are great. O0
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: Frank on 09/11/10 at 4:32 pm
I like T-Rex's version better. Brings back memories.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: ADH13 on 09/14/10 at 2:00 pm
Can I add just one, pretty please?! :D A Henk thread just isn't complete without
Cover: Route 66 - Depeche Mode (1987)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqrKxBhKdFM
Original: Route 66 - Nat King Cole (1946)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCYApJtsyd0
I won't hijack your thread again, I promise!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #7. Feel The Need (In Me)
Written By: Foo Bar on 09/14/10 at 9:56 pm
Get It On (Bang A Gong)
What, no disco?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJFPYPke0e4
- Witch Queen, Bang a Gong, 12" vinyl, 1978
Fine, how about some industrial rock?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K-imSalt6w
- Ministry (and Co-Conspirators), Bang a Gong, from Cover Up 2008
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: whistledog on 09/15/10 at 2:49 pm
What, no disco?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJFPYPke0e4
- Witch Queen, Bang a Gong, 12" vinyl, 1978
Fine, how about some industrial rock?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K-imSalt6w
- Ministry (and Co-Conspirators), Bang a Gong, from Cover Up 2008
Didn't think anyone knew about Witch Queen. That was a Canadian project helmed by the great Gino Soccio. Was not a BIG mainstream hit (despite still charting in Canada), but it was a Top 10 Disco hit across North America. Not the best version, but as it is Canadian, I can't really speak negative about it unless Geddy Lee or Rush were somehow involved LOL
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: Paul on 09/15/10 at 3:03 pm
'Get It On' is always (and ever more will be) superior in its T.Rex rendition...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: Foo Bar on 09/16/10 at 10:40 pm
Didn't think anyone knew about Witch Queen. That was a Canadian project helmed by the great Gino Soccio. Was not a BIG mainstream hit (despite still charting in Canada), but it was a Top 10 Disco hit across North America. Not the best version, but as it is Canadian, I can't really speak negative about it unless Geddy Lee or Rush were somehow involved LOL
Y'know, if you'd never heard the original, never had any idea it wasn't supposed to be a disco song, it's actually pretty damn good. Well, for disco. But as disco, it's pretty good.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: gibbo on 09/16/10 at 10:55 pm
'Get It On' is always (and ever more will be) superior in its T.Rex rendition...
I agree with this comment.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: Henk on 09/17/10 at 9:53 am
A tad bit early, but moving on to letter H.
Heart And Soul
Original artist: Exile
Year: 1981
Chart positions: US #102, UK dnc, NL #30
(Sorry, no video available - audio only)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtqveZAJspc
Cover by: Huey Lewis & The News
Year: 1983
Chart positions: US #8, UK #61, NL #42
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TdaXhpjHws&ob=av2e
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: Frank on 09/17/10 at 10:17 am
A tad bit early, but moving on to letter H.
Heart And Soul
Original artist: Exile
Year: 1981
Chart positions: US #102, UK dnc, NL #30
(Sorry, no video available - audio only)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtqveZAJspc
Cover by: Huey Lewis & The News
Year: 1983
Chart positions: US #8, UK #61, NL #42
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TdaXhpjHws&ob=av2e
I never heard (nor heard of) the original before.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: Henk on 09/17/10 at 10:27 am
I never heard (nor heard of) the original before.
A lot of people are surprised to find out the Huey Lewis version is actually a cover, so you're not alone in this.
Exile, of course, are probably best known for "Kiss You All Over" (1978). After "Heart And Soul" they drastically changed course, and are now a country band.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #8. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
Written By: Frank on 09/17/10 at 10:32 am
A lot of people are surprised to find out the Huey Lewis version is actually a cover, so you're not alone in this.
Exile, of course, are probably best known for "Kiss You All Over" (1978). After "Heart And Soul" they drastically changed course, and are now a country band.
"Kiss you all over" was quite popular back in late 1978. I did hear Exile became a country band in the 80s. I don't listen to country.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #9. Heart And Soul
Written By: nally on 09/17/10 at 10:39 am
A lot of people are surprised to find out the Huey Lewis version is actually a cover, so you're not alone in this.
I am another one of those people.
Exile, of course, are probably best known for "Kiss You All Over" (1978). After "Heart And Soul" they drastically changed course, and are now a country band.
A song that I know vaguely, but have at least heard of.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #9. Heart And Soul
Written By: whistledog on 09/17/10 at 10:56 am
I knew it was a cover, but only found that out a few years ago. Both are good, but Huey's version was a big part of my youth.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #9. Heart And Soul
Written By: gibbo on 09/17/10 at 8:47 pm
I only remember Huey Lewis' version of the song....so, I feel I identify with their sound with that spong. However, it appears pretty much a direct musical copy (except shortened). Exiles original version was just as good...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #9. Heart And Soul
Written By: Paul on 09/23/10 at 3:32 pm
Exile's version goes on a bit (12 inch version?), but it's competent enough...still lacks something compared to the mighty Huey...
A Chapman/Chinn song, both songwriting stalwarts of Britain's Glam Rock scene, who had this knack of recycling previously unsuccessful songs of theirs - apart from this, there's also 'Kitty' (which became 'Mickey') and 'Living Next Door To Alice'...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #9. Heart And Soul
Written By: Henk on 09/24/10 at 1:45 pm
Exile's version goes on a bit (12 inch version?), but it's competent enough...still lacks something compared to the mighty Huey...
As far as I know, this is the single version. Maybe that's why it failed to chart, or maybe it was just bad timing.
A Chapman/Chinn song, both songwriting stalwarts of Britain's Glam Rock scene, who had this knack of recycling previously unsuccessful songs of theirs - apart from this, there's also 'Kitty' (which became 'Mickey') and 'Living Next Door To Alice'...
Let's not go there. ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #9. Heart And Soul
Written By: Paul on 09/24/10 at 3:59 pm
Let's not go there. ;)
What? With 'Alice'?
Ah! But its not the 'naughty' remake I'm referring to...Smokie's version was itself a cover, the original was by a group called New World...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #9. Heart And Soul
Written By: Henk on 09/25/10 at 4:13 am
Anyway... another week gone by, moving on to letter I.
Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Original artist: The Four Lads
Year: 1953
Chart positions: US #10, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vankaSlfSr0
Cover by: They Might Be Giants
Year: 1990
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #61, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeQ-wjDH4F4
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: gibbo on 09/25/10 at 4:36 am
I really enjoyed both clips Henk. I liked the original a lot...it's a good tune based on clever word play. The 1990 clip is very well done with a heavy comedic spin (made me laugh). However, I would prefer the original ... but only because I couldn't take the second clip too seriously. ;D
I keep hearing the melody line of "Puttin' On The Ritz" .... :-\\
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: Paul on 09/25/10 at 7:46 am
Very much a product of the 50s, this one...and I gather The Four Lads were among the first Canadians to achieve mainstream success in the international pop field (which should please Jason immensely!)
Like the first song that kicked off this thread, the British chart honours for 'Istanbul' originally went to Frankie Vaughan (who virtually covered anything that was put in front of him!)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: JamieMcBain on 09/25/10 at 12:28 pm
You rock, Henk!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: JamieMcBain on 09/25/10 at 12:33 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv-KcF3Rkv8&feature=related
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: Philip Eno on 09/25/10 at 1:10 pm
Anyway... another week gone by, moving on to letter I.
Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Original artist: The Four Lads
Year: 1953
Chart positions: US #10, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vankaSlfSr0
Cover by: They Might Be Giants
Year: 1990
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #61, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeQ-wjDH4F4
As a non-They Might Be Giants fan, I tried Istanbul (Not Constantinople) and liked it!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: whistledog on 09/25/10 at 6:22 pm
Very much a product of the 50s, this one...and I gather The Four Lads were among the first Canadians to achieve mainstream success in the international pop field (which should please Jason immensely!)
They were yes. Along with The Diamonds, they helped pave the way for more Canadians to make waves in the US.
Can't say as I know the cover, but it wasn't bad. The original is a classic. Not sure how popular it was here as Canadian Chart only dates back to 1965
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #9. Heart And Soul
Written By: CatwomanofV on 09/25/10 at 6:23 pm
Anyway... another week gone by, moving on to letter I.
Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Original artist: The Four Lads
Year: 1953
Chart positions: US #10, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vankaSlfSr0
Cover by: They Might Be Giants
Year: 1990
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #61, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeQ-wjDH4F4
I always loved BOTH versions of this song. I have the latter on my TMBG Greatest Hits CD. (I just love TMBG.) Whenever anyone mentions the city of Istanbul, I ALWAYS start singing, "...not Constantinople." :D ;D ;D ;D
Cat
Cat
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: Frank on 09/25/10 at 6:56 pm
Another nice choice Henk, I like this song and I have heard other artists cover this ones. Their names escape me right now.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: gibbo on 09/25/10 at 7:03 pm
Sunday morning here... and I wake up with Istanbul (not Constantinople) playing in my head! I think this one may have been set in my brain for a few days to come.... ;D
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: Henk on 09/26/10 at 12:51 am
Thanks for the comments everyone. :) This seems to be my most popular pick so far on this thread.
What amazes me most about the song is its length. I always thought the original version was short as it was, but TMBG crop it into less than 2 minutes LOL. ;D
FYI: Marcel Vanthilt, the host of the MTV show "120 minutes" (as seen in the video), is a big TMBG fan.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: Henk on 09/27/10 at 2:35 pm
I found another version of "Istanbul" that I didn't know of...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvuH7ZtInso
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #10. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Written By: Henk on 10/02/10 at 10:46 am
Enough of Istanbul! I wanna go back to Constantinople. :D ;D
New weekend, new cover. Letter J brings us to...
Jolene
Original artist: Dolly Parton
Year: 1974
Chart positions: US #60, UK #7, NL #54, CAN #84 (sp?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1plvBR02wDs&feature=fvst
Cover by: Strawberry Switchblade
Year: 1985
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #53, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oxzoDWY1PM
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: gibbo on 10/02/10 at 7:14 pm
Never really liked this song. Doesn't matter who sings it (even Olivia Newton John). I may just prefer the Strawberry Switchblade version the most though.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Philip Eno on 10/03/10 at 2:53 am
Enough of Istanbul! I wanna go back to Constantinople. :D ;D
New weekend, new cover. Letter J brings us to...
Jolene
Original artist: Dolly Parton
Year: 1974
Chart positions: US #60, UK #7, NL #54, CAN #84 (sp?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1plvBR02wDs&feature=fvst
Cover by: Strawberry Switchblade
Year: 1985
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #53, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oxzoDWY1PM
All through my life I have only known one version of Jolene and that is by Dolly Parton, of which I do like.
I will hear the Strawberry Switchblade version when the right time arises.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Henk on 10/03/10 at 3:30 pm
All through my life I have only known one version of Jolene and that is by Dolly Parton, of which I do like.
I will hear the Strawberry Switchblade version when the right time arises.
There are at least 20 cover versions of 'Jolene', including versions by Sisters of Mercy and The White Stripes.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Philip Eno on 10/03/10 at 3:34 pm
Listening to Strawberry Switchblade right now and I find it refreshing.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: CatwomanofV on 10/06/10 at 12:43 pm
I'm sure most people here knows that I'm not a big country fan but Jolene is one country song that I do like. This is the first time I heard Strawberry Switchblade which isn't bad but I do have to say that I like Dolly's version better.
Cat
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Paul on 10/06/10 at 1:53 pm
One of those songs that I could live without...never really liked it in any version, sorry!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Henk on 10/07/10 at 3:11 pm
One of those songs that I could live without...never really liked it in any version, sorry!
If you don't like this, you'll probably be hating the song for letter K. ;D
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Henk on 10/09/10 at 7:12 am
OK, as promised... letter K. And it just gets worse... :D
Kaw-Liga
Original artist: Hank Williams (Sr)
Year: 1952
Chart positions: US #23, UK n/a, NL n/a
(There were no official charts in UK or NL in 1952/1953)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FY7RWJAtJQ
Cover by: The Residents
Year: 1986
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkFYCbMTA20
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #12. Kaw-Liga
Written By: whistledog on 10/09/10 at 9:04 pm
Didn't know anyone had done a cover of that one. Never cared for the original, but that cover is great!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #12. Kaw-Liga
Written By: Henk on 10/10/10 at 1:04 am
Didn't know anyone had done a cover of that one. Never cared for the original, but that cover is great!
According to the Second Hand Song cover database there are 24 cover versions of that song, all but one (Residents) by country music artists.
And FTR: they did indeed use the beat to Billie Jean.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Paul on 10/14/10 at 4:31 pm
(There were no official charts in UK or NL in 1952/1953)
There might not have been in Holland, but official charts were up and running in Britain at that time...
...trouble was, this record of Hank's didn't get a British release, so it couldn't have charted anyway! :D
Not one of his better recordings, it must be said...the other side was better and more well-known (and covered to death as well!) - 'Your Cheatin' Heart'...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Henk on 10/16/10 at 4:08 am
There might not have been in Holland, but official charts were up and running in Britain at that time...
...trouble was, this record of Hank's didn't get a British release, so it couldn't have charted anyway! :D
Ah! Mystery solved.
Not one of his better recordings, it must be said...the other side was better and more well-known (and covered to death as well!) - 'Your Cheatin' Heart'...
Does that mean you prefer the Residents' version...? ::)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #12. Kaw-Liga
Written By: Henk on 10/16/10 at 10:18 am
Here's the new one...letter L. I'm not sure which video is more disturbing...
Live Is Life
Original artist: Opus
Year: 1985
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #6, NL #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jy4tMySp5o
Cover by: Laibach
Year: 1987
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbB1s7TZUQk
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #11. Jolene
Written By: Paul on 10/18/10 at 5:35 am
Does that mean you prefer the Residents' version...? ::)
Apologies! I missed that!
Rather like 'Jolene', it's one of those songs that doesn't do much for me whoever performs it...even a so-called painfully hip and trendy outfit like The Residents...
Here's the new one...letter L. I'm not sure which video is more disturbing...
Austria's finest export since...EAV, possibly!
Now, this may surprise you...the Opus original is something of a guilty pleasure of mine! No, I don't understand either... :D
I've heard of Laibach and their legendary covers, but they should have left this alone...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #13. Live Is Life
Written By: whistledog on 10/20/10 at 12:18 am
Live is Life, the Opus original, actually peaked at #32 in US. I used to think that was strange, as I remember it being so popular, that placing just seemed out of place. Then I got a hold of Canadian Charts, and saw it at #1 and thought "now that's more like it"
Didn't quite care for that cover. Laibach were good, but not with that.
The Opus original is featured in the XBOX 360 game 'Lips Party Classics' and is quite a challenge to sing along with
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #13. Live Is Life
Written By: Henk on 10/23/10 at 1:14 am
Hmmm, not a lot of responses this week. Any particular reason, I wonder? :-\\
FTR: I think the Laibach cover is brilliant! It just goes to show how easy it is to take a tune (any tune) and turn it into propaganda for whatever cause you're supporting. In this case, Laibach chose fascism/nazism - which doesn't mean that Laibach actually support this way of thinking. Quite the contrary! And to me, that's what makes it brilliant and disturbing at the same time.
And FYI: Laibach is the German word for Ljubljana, the capitol of Slovenia.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #13. Live Is Life
Written By: Henk on 10/23/10 at 9:16 am
Moving on to letter M.
Master And Servant
Original artist: Depeche Mode
Year: 1984
Chart positions: US #87, UK #9, NL #53
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDRnSXOgMuI&ob=av2n
Cover by: Locust
Year: 1998
Chart positions: US n/a, UK n/a, NL n/a
(I'm not sure this song was available as a single)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdHzsfz7alk
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #14. Master And Servant
Written By: nally on 10/23/10 at 1:41 pm
Finally...another song whose original I am familiar with...and enjoy. Cover? So-so, I guess.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #14. Master And Servant
Written By: whistledog on 10/24/10 at 7:22 pm
The original is fantastic. That cover was not. Reminds me of when that 90's band Frente! did a soft version of New Order's Bizarre Love Triangle.
I understand taking a song and making it your own, but doesn't work in this case.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #14. Master And Servant
Written By: Paul on 10/25/10 at 6:07 am
The original is fantastic. That cover was not.
Thanks, Jason...my sentiments exactly!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #14. Master And Servant
Written By: nally on 10/25/10 at 11:10 am
The original is fantastic. That cover was not. Reminds me of when that 90's band Frente! did a soft version of New Order's Bizarre Love Triangle.
I understand taking a song and making it your own, but doesn't work in this case.
The same can be said about lots of good original songs.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #14. Master And Servant
Written By: Henk on 10/25/10 at 3:51 pm
The original is fantastic. That cover was not. Reminds me of when that 90's band Frente! did a soft version of New Order's Bizarre Love Triangle.
I understand taking a song and making it your own, but doesn't work in this case.
Thanks, Jason...my sentiments exactly!
I'm not a fan of the cover version either. I posted it anyway, because it's totally opposite of what you'd expect anyone to do with the song.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #14. Master And Servant
Written By: Henk on 10/30/10 at 2:18 am
ANyway... time for letter N.
No More I Love You's
Original artist: The Lover Speaks
Year: 1986
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #58, NL #43
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdNOCj_35Po
Cover by: Annie Lennox
Year: 1995
Chart positions: US #23, UK #2, NL #23
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrtcMMNxUG8
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: whistledog on 10/30/10 at 9:49 am
I had no idea this was a cover. The original is not bad, but Annie's version will always be my fave.
Lover Speaks also never charted in Canada, but Annie's version hit #1, and was the 10th best selling single of 1995
Her accompanying album 'Medusa' also hit #1 and was the 6th best selling album of 1995.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Philip Eno on 10/30/10 at 9:57 am
It is the same for me, I had no idea this was a cover too.
Of the two given version, I do prefer the Annie Lennox version.
Any other covers of this song?
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Frank on 10/30/10 at 10:50 am
It is the same for me, I had no idea this was a cover too.
Of the two given version, I do prefer the Annie Lennox version.
Any other covers of this song?
Same for me, didn't know it was a cover.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: nally on 10/30/10 at 11:08 am
Same for me, didn't know it was a cover.
Make that four of us!
And I, too, prefer the version as performed by Annie Lennox, which was a big hit in the States; and at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards (presented in February 1996), won the award for best female pop vocal performance.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Henk on 10/30/10 at 11:48 am
Well, whaddayaknow... I thought everyone was well aware the Annie Lennox version was a cover. :-\\
Personally, I prefer the original (by far), but I seem to be alone in this.
Any other covers of this song?
There's only one more version I know of, by The Flying Pickets (1996). Not availabe on YouTube, I think.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Philip Eno on 10/30/10 at 11:50 am
Well, whaddayaknow... I thought everyone was well aware the Annie Lennox version was a cover. :-\\
Personally, I prefer the original (by far), but I seem to be alone in this.
There's only one more version I know of, by The Flying Pickets (1996). Not availabe on YouTube, I think.
Thanks, and I know where to here it on Spotify (if available)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Philip Eno on 10/30/10 at 11:52 am
There's only one more version I know of, by The Flying Pickets (1996). Not availabe on YouTube, I think.
Thanks, and I know where to here it on Spotify (if available)
Listening to it now, this is set in the reggae style.
There are other version too.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Henk on 10/30/10 at 12:08 pm
Maybe I should get Spotify too, now that LimeWire has been subject to a court order injunction. :(
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Philip Eno on 10/30/10 at 12:09 pm
Maybe I should get Spotify too, now that LimeWire has been subject to a court order injunction. :(
I find it useful, it is free, but you only get 20 hours of free listening a month.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: nally on 10/30/10 at 12:53 pm
Well, whaddayaknow... I thought everyone was well aware the Annie Lennox version was a cover. :-\\
Personally, I prefer the original (by far), but I seem to be alone in this.
There's only one more version I know of, by The Flying Pickets (1996). Not availabe on YouTube, I think.
Maybe the original (as well as the band) wasn't quite as popular in North America. :-\\ ???
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Paul on 11/03/10 at 5:06 pm
I had no idea this was a cover. The original is not bad, but Annie's version will always be my fave.
Her accompanying album 'Medusa' also hit #1 and was the 6th best selling album of 1995.
Well, 'Medusa' was an album of covers!
Not quite sure where she picked it up from, as it was hardly a fantastically massive hit in its original form!
I think the song's pretty ho-hum, truth be told...but then, I don't really care much for Annie's warblings...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #15. No More I Love You's
Written By: Henk on 11/06/10 at 10:09 am
And on we move to letter O...
One Way Ticket (To The Blues)
Original artist: Neil Sedaka
Year: 1959
Chart positions: US #9, UK #3, NL #1
(This was the b-side to "Oh! Carol")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xUl_jck27I
Cover by: Eruption
Year: 1978
Chart positions: US #30 (Dance Music/Club Play Singles), UK #9, NL #4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx7fFnxNH4U
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #16. One Way Ticket (To The Blues)
Written By: Frank on 11/07/10 at 1:24 am
I am not familiar with that one. Am familiar with "Oh Carol". My wife loves that song. It's a good cha-cha song.
I recall a hit from "Eruption" called "I can't stand the rain" or something like that... around the 1978 time period.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #16. One Way Ticket (To The Blues)
Written By: Henk on 11/07/10 at 1:32 am
I am not familiar with that one. Am familiar with "Oh Carol". My wife loves that song. It's a good cha-cha song.
According to various sources, "One Way Ticket" was one of Neil's most popular b-sides. Of course that doesn't mean 'everyone' knows the song.
I recall a hit from "Eruption" called "I can't stand the rain" or something like that... around the 1978 time period.
Yes, Eruption had a hit with that song in 1978 (also a cover version, btw).
Can you tell Frank Farian (also responsible for Boney M) is the genius behind those recordings...? ::)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #16. One Way Ticket (To The Blues)
Written By: Frank on 11/07/10 at 1:39 am
Can you tell Frank Farian (also responsible for Boney M) is the genius behind those recordings...? ::)
Very Boney-M ish...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #16. One Way Ticket (To The Blues)
Written By: whistledog on 11/07/10 at 4:37 pm
Can't say as I am familiar with either version, but that's not a bad cover
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #16. One Way Ticket (To The Blues)
Written By: Henk on 11/13/10 at 10:13 am
Another weekend, another cover...or two. ::)
Please Don't Go
Original artist: KC & The Sunshine Band
Year: 1979
Chart positions: US #1, UK #3, NL #6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV9xj4ofvsM
Cover by: Double You
Year: 1992
Chart positions: US #23 (Hot Dance Music/Maxi Singles Sales), UK dnc, NL #1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIAnkrPgTvY
Cover by: K.W.S.
Year: 1992
Chart positions: US #6, UK #1, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60fqp2rLUR4
Spot the differences between the latter two...
Rather unusual for two acts to release almost identical covers of the same song
in the same year, and both ending up in charts.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #17. Please Don't Go
Written By: whistledog on 11/13/10 at 11:39 am
I know and love all 3 versions.
In Canada, both Double You and KWS were in the Dance chart with it at the same time. Double You first peaked at #2, then KWS peaked at #5.
On the mainstream Canadian chart, KC hit #1 in February 1980 and KWS got to #27 in November 1992
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #16. One Way Ticket (To The Blues)
Written By: Paul on 11/14/10 at 5:37 pm
According to various sources, "One Way Ticket" was one of Neil's most popular b-sides. Of course that doesn't mean 'everyone' knows the song.
Not sure if a lot of people in Britain knew that before Eruption covered it...
Very clever, that Sedaka guy, as the song's lyrics is almost entirely comprised of other song titles!
Can you tell Frank Farian (also responsible for Boney M) is the genius behind those recordings...? ::)
Genius is the word (although I do draw the line with Milli Vanilli...)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #17. Please Don't Go
Written By: nally on 11/16/10 at 7:34 pm
For "Please Don't Go", I know the original version, and the KWS cover (which I enjoyed listening to in the 90s).
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #17. Please Don't Go
Written By: Henk on 11/27/10 at 4:46 am
I missed a weekend, due to internet problems, but now I'm back on track. :) Letter Q is next. Not an easy letter, I can tell you...
A Question Of Lust
Original artist: Depeche Mode
Year: 1986
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #28, NL #24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gJWLxPV9BI
Cover by: Dune & The London Session Orchestra
Year: 1998
Chart positions: n/a (album track only)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lju3oj0yF8
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #18. A Question Of Lust
Written By: Henk on 11/27/10 at 4:52 am
A rarity, this one. Although Depeche Mode isn't popular at all in my country, the original version of this song actually did better over here than in their homeland UK.
And what about the cover? Dune is best known for their hardcore techno music...but here they prove they can make "real" music as well.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #18. A Question Of Lust
Written By: whistledog on 11/27/10 at 7:30 am
That cover wasn't bad. Neither version was a hit here in Canada, but in the 80's, Depeche Mode went almost unknown here (even though their album 'Some Great Reward spent over a year in the chart, before 'People Are People' became a hit)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #18. A Question Of Lust
Written By: Henk on 12/04/10 at 9:55 am
Although more and more people seem to lose interest...here's letter R.
...And if you don't like reggae, I suggest you skip this one. ;)
Reflections Of My Life
Original artist: Marmalade
Year: 1969
Chart positions: US #10, UK #3, NL #10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NiN7ISW7E
Cover by: Ruddy Thomas & Barry Biggs
Year: 1983
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL #25
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7BGX2O-hDY
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #19. Reflections Of My Life
Written By: whistledog on 12/04/10 at 4:00 pm
Wow! I really liked that cover. Hadn't ever heard that version before. Not as good as Marmalade, but a strong contender.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #19. Reflections Of My Life
Written By: Henk on 12/05/10 at 8:27 am
Wow! I really liked that cover. Hadn't ever heard that version before. Not as good as Marmalade, but a strong contender.
I agree with you, even though I'm more familiar with the Thomas/Biggs cover version.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #19. Reflections Of My Life
Written By: gibbo on 12/08/10 at 5:14 am
Not a bad cover...although I prefer the original. I had not heard that song for many years (and had never heard the cover before). It is another example of great music from the late 60's.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #19. Reflections Of My Life
Written By: Henk on 12/11/10 at 11:59 am
Next letter is letter S. I picked fairly recent song this time. Hope you enjoy it nontheless.
Seven Nation Army
Original artist: The White Stripes
Year: 2003
Chart positions: US 376, UK #7, NL #22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY
Cover by: Ben l'Oncle Soul
Year: 2010
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL #26
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4XKNNl31Gc
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #20. Seven Nation Army
Written By: whistledog on 12/11/10 at 1:40 pm
That was a cool cover. Seven Nation Army is a song I never thought I'd see a cover of
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #20. Seven Nation Army
Written By: Henk on 12/18/10 at 6:52 am
And on we go (though should I even bother...?) with letter T.
Tell It Like It Is
Original artist: Aaron Neville
Year: 1966
Chart positions: US #1, UK ?, NL #36
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcRgwgMc1Qc
Cover by: Mariska Veres
Year: 1975
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL #51
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN0R_tglljA
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #21. Tell It Like It Is
Written By: Henk on 12/18/10 at 6:57 am
There are other (and probably better) cover versions of the song, but I chose to pick this obscure one.
Mariska Veres was, as you might know, the lead singer of Shocking Blue who scored a US #1 hit with Venus. Despite her fame, her solo career never really took off. She struggled to score hits even in Holland.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #21. Tell It Like It Is
Written By: whistledog on 12/18/10 at 2:54 pm
I liked that cover. The cover of it I am best familiar of is the 1980 version by Heart
Don Johnson also had an International hit with it in 1989
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #21. Tell It Like It Is
Written By: Henk on 01/01/11 at 10:37 am
Thanks to the flu I missed another weekend. But I don't think anyone noticed... We're approaching the end of the alphabet.
Under The Moon Of Love
Original artist: Curtis Lee
Year: 1961
Chart positions: US #46, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiujpD8SNqM
Cover by: Showaddywaddy
Year: 1976
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #1, NL #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDvsaMqQVvQ
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #22. Under The Moon Of Love
Written By: whistledog on 01/01/11 at 5:49 pm
The perfect song for Showaddywaddy to cover, and they did it very well.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #22. Under The Moon Of Love
Written By: mooster on 01/01/11 at 9:01 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDvsaMqQVvQ
Loved this song!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #22. Under The Moon Of Love
Written By: Philip Eno on 01/02/11 at 10:20 am
Thanks to the flu I missed another weekend. But I don't think anyone noticed... We're approaching the end of the alphabet.
Cover by: Showaddywaddy
Year: 1976
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #1, NL #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDvsaMqQVvQ
Excellent cover, love this song, brings back memories of my younger days!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #22. Under The Moon Of Love
Written By: Henk on 01/02/11 at 11:51 am
I'm glad to see everyone is liking this cover. I like it too! 8)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #22. Under The Moon Of Love
Written By: Henk on 01/09/11 at 10:41 am
V is another rather difficult letter. I could have gone for the obvious ("Venus"), but I didn't. :P
Voyage Voyage
Original artist: Desireless
Year: 1986
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #5, NL #11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PDmZnG8KsM
Cover by: Kate Ryan
Year: 2007
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL #10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB-z6MwTLeI
(Sorry about the video - it is somewhat blurry, I'm afraid)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #23. Voyage Voyage
Written By: Henk on 01/09/11 at 10:44 am
And let me tell you that I prefer the original. 8)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #23. Voyage Voyage
Written By: whistledog on 01/09/11 at 8:59 pm
I actually too prefer the original Voyage Voyage, but that cover is excellent. Kate Ryan = Awesome!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #23. Voyage Voyage
Written By: Henk on 01/15/11 at 8:44 am
Not sure why I keep posting here...but here's letter W.
Walk On By
Original artist: Dionne Warwick
Year: 1964
Chart positions: US #6, UK #9, NL #24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO073fekFfA
Cover by: Gloria Gaynor
Year: 1975
Chart positions: US #98, UK dnc, NL #22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvEAUwWz2OY
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: Philip Eno on 01/15/11 at 11:36 am
Can Walk On By by The Stranglers be added?
I prefer Dionne Warwick version.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: Henk on 01/15/11 at 11:55 am
Can Walk On By by The Stranglers be added?
I could do that, but then others might want to add their favorites too (and there's at least 60 versions of this song... Listening to the D-Train version as we speak)
I prefer Dionne Warwick version.
I'm not sure which one I prefer.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: Philip Eno on 01/15/11 at 11:56 am
I could do that, but then others might want to add their favorites too (and there's at least 60 versions of this song... Listening to the D-Train version as we speak)
There is a very ropy copy on YouTbue of the Stranglers' version.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: Henk on 01/15/11 at 12:00 pm
There is a very ropy copy on YouTbue of the Stranglers' version.
I take it you mean the video to the song? I've tried watching it, but it stopped playing after just a few seconds.
There are other copies of the song (without the video) but I'm not planning on posting them here.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: Philip Eno on 01/15/11 at 12:05 pm
I take it you mean the video to the song? I've tried watching it, but it stopped playing after just a few seconds.Yes, and that was the same result for me.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: whistledog on 01/15/11 at 1:35 pm
It is The Stranglers version of 'Walk on By' that I love the best, but a second up for me is the 1990 version by Sybil.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: gibbo on 01/16/11 at 3:14 am
I didn't mind Gloria Gaynor's cover. It sounds like a different song... Dionne's original cannot be outdone. She was the perfect voice and interpretation to Bacharach and David songs. To me... Walk On By is one of the greatest songs from the 60's. To quote a Carly Simon song...Nobody Does It Better!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: Henk on 01/16/11 at 8:43 am
It is The Stranglers version of 'Walk on By' that I love the best, but a second up for me is the 1990 version by Sybil.
I hadn't heard the Stranglers version until yesterday, but I wasn't impressed.
The Sybil version was the most successful of them all in Holland, peaking at #14 in 1990. I was planning on posting that one instead of the Gloria Gaynor cover, but I wasn't sure which video to post (too many remixes out there!).
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: Henk on 01/16/11 at 8:44 am
I didn't mind Gloria Gaynor's cover. It sounds like a different song... Dionne's original cannot be outdone. She was the perfect voice and interpretation to Bacharach and David songs. To me... Walk On By is one of the greatest songs from the 60's. To quote a Carly Simon song...Nobody Does It Better!
The Gloria Gaynor version is the only one I have (on vinyl).
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #24. Walk On By
Written By: Henk on 01/22/11 at 10:36 am
Skipping X (for obvious reasons) which brings us to...
You're Not Alone
Original artist: Olive
Year: 1996
Peak positions: US #56, UK #1, NL #24, CAN #17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hYYYFtXFmo
Cover by: Mads Langer
Year: 2009
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL #26
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvsvbhjpA5o
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #25. You're Not Alone
Written By: Philip Eno on 01/22/11 at 10:38 am
Skipping X (for obvious reasons) which brings us to...
X for Xanadu, the two versions, from 1980 by Olivia Newton-John And Electric Light Orchestra and in 2010 by Sharleen Spiteri.
Only being helpful.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #25. You're Not Alone
Written By: Henk on 01/22/11 at 10:40 am
X for Xanadu, the two versions, from 1980 by Olivia Newton-John And Electric Light Orchestra and in 2010 by Sharleen Spiteri.
Only being helpful.
Thanks. I'll try and remember this when I get to X again. :)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #23. Voyage Voyage
Written By: seamermar on 01/22/11 at 5:43 pm
Not sure why I keep posting here...but here's letter W
Maybe to please just my ears, and to someone else Henk ;)'t
I hope you don't get weak and you keep feeding the list.
Covers is an interesting part of the music firmament.
I know a penguin needs to hear others around,
well as the last cover's Olive said You're not alone
Seamermar is in the wake of your good cover's songs
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #25. You're Not Alone
Written By: whistledog on 01/22/11 at 7:24 pm
X for Xanadu, the two versions, from 1980 by Olivia Newton-John And Electric Light Orchestra and in 2010 by Sharleen Spiteri.
Only being helpful.
Loved her version.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #25. You're Not Alone
Written By: Henk on 01/28/11 at 2:21 pm
I think this is the first time no one has commented on the cover version.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #25. You're Not Alone
Written By: Henk on 01/30/11 at 12:42 pm
Let me throw in another one that no one cares about. :P There are other and probably better known covers of this instrumental, but at this point I really can't be bothered.
Zorba's Dance
(a.k.a. La Danse De Zorba or Zorba The Greek)
Original artist: Mikis Theodorakis
Year: 1964
Chart positions: US #26 (album chart), UK dnc (?), NL #5 (singles chart)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr8vG1f8ag4
Cover by: Chet Atkins
Year: 1969
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL dnc
Note: album track, from the album "Lover's Guitar"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCo8RsaV7PI
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner
Written By: Henk on 01/30/11 at 12:45 pm
Cool idea for a thread, Henk. May I make a suggestion? Why not include the original (if you can) so people can compare the original to the cover?
Cat
O sister where art thou? ::)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #25. You're Not Alone
Written By: Philip Eno on 01/30/11 at 12:46 pm
Let me throw in another one that no one cares about. :P There are other and probably better known covers of this instrumental, but at this point I really can't be bothered.
Zorba's Dance
(a.k.a. La Danse De Zorba or Zorba The Greek)
Original artist: Mikis Theodorakis
Year: 1964
Chart positions: US #26 (album chart), UK dnc (?), NL #5 (singles chart)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr8vG1f8ag4
Cover by: Chet Atkins
Year: 1969
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL dnc
Note: album track, from the album "Lover's Guitar"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCo8RsaV7PI
There is not real YouTube clip of it, but Marcello Minerbi version of Zobra's Dance from 1965 reached #6 in the UK Charts, is version I really know, also this tune I can remember from my youth.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #25. You're Not Alone
Written By: karen on 01/30/11 at 4:39 pm
There is not real YouTube clip of it, but Marcello Minerbi version of Zobra's Dance from 1965 reached #6 in the UK Charts, is version I really know, also this tune I can remember from my youth.
Maybe this is the version my mum and dad had on an album of 'party' songs. I certainly remember my dad and two of my uncles trying to do the dance at my grandparents house
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #25. You're Not Alone
Written By: Henk on 01/30/11 at 4:58 pm
There is not real YouTube clip of it, but Marcello Minerbi version of Zobra's Dance from 1965 reached #6 in the UK Charts, is version I really know, also this tune I can remember from my youth.
Several versions of the tune made it to the Dutch Top 40, but Marcello Minerbi's version wasn't among those. In fact, I've never even heard of Marcello Minerbi. :-\\
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: gibbo on 01/30/11 at 6:04 pm
After hearing both versions...I'm convinced that I like pretty much all versions of that song (excepting the Crazy Frog version).
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: seamermar on 01/30/11 at 6:40 pm
Theodorakis....thanks Henk.
it reminds me another lifetime.
When I was young and the cicadas sang.
Some nostalgic sounds of summer.
Covers and covers and covers again my friend,
you're growing a heap to feed my Henk's devotion ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: Henk on 01/31/11 at 4:52 pm
After hearing both versions...I'm convinced that I like pretty much all versions of that song (excepting the Crazy Frog version).
Then you haven't heard the Atenna or LCD versions... ::) ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: Henk on 01/31/11 at 4:53 pm
Theodorakis....thanks Henk.
it reminds me another lifetime.
When I was young and the cicadas sang.
Some nostalgic sounds of summer.
Covers and covers and covers again my friend,
you're growing a heap to feed my Henk's devotion ;)
Thanks for your kind words, Paco. :) Have you ever seen the movie? ??? (I haven't)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: Philip Eno on 02/01/11 at 2:28 am
Thanks for your kind words, Paco. :) Have you ever seen the movie? ??? (I haven't)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AzpHvLWFUM
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: Henk on 02/01/11 at 4:54 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AzpHvLWFUM
Well, that's about the only scene from the movie I've ever seen.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: Philip Eno on 02/02/11 at 2:07 am
Well, that's about the only scene from the movie I've ever seen.
I saw the film ages ago, and that is the only scene I remember from it too.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: seamermar on 02/03/11 at 6:26 pm
Thanks for your kind words, Paco. :) Have you ever seen the movie? ??? (I haven't)
I have Henk, but not in the original version.
Sometimes I wonder about how it would be to watch it just in the very real actors' voice.
Anthony Quinn is the only Mexican actor I have a high regard for his career.
Like the wine he has improved along the years, playing all kind of roles, from Eskimo to Arabian,
The last I saw " The savage innocents" and the following I'll see "The lion of the desert".
Good choice ....as usual my friend ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: Henk on 02/04/11 at 6:41 am
For those of you that are interested: the various versions of "Zorba's Dance" (I believe four in total) still hold the Dutch record for longevity in the single scharts. The tune spent a total of 37 weeks in Dutch Top 40.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #26. Zorba's Dance
Written By: Henk on 02/07/11 at 4:45 pm
Uh-oh...Missed the weekend. :D And we're back to square one, or rather: letter A.
As Tears Go By
Original artist: Marianne Faithfull
Year: 1964
Chart positions: US #22, UK #9, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf9w2hJIqUk
Cover by: The Torero's
Year: 1966
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL #6 (B-side of 'Bald Headed Woman')
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esP3DNHvQpM
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #27. As Tears Go By
Written By: Henk on 02/07/11 at 4:54 pm
The Torero's were a Dutch band of shortlived fame (unlike its members). "As Tears Go By" started out the A-side of their sole claim to fame in Holland, but the B-side proved the more popular.
As you probably all know, this was a Jagger/Richards composition - so of course the Stones had their take at it as well. Their version went to #2 in Dutch Top 40.
Personally, I prefer the "Broken English" version of the song, with Marianne considerably older and her voice marked by age (and drugs and alcohol).
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #27. As Tears Go By
Written By: gibbo on 02/07/11 at 8:43 pm
I knew after the opening bars that I liked Torero's version better. Faithfull's delivery is missing something (perhaps some kind of life)!! She really does just sit and watch as tears roll by...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #27. As Tears Go By
Written By: Henk on 02/08/11 at 6:52 am
I knew after the opening bars that I liked Torero's version better. Faithfull's delivery is missing something (perhaps some kind of life)!! She really does just sit and watch as tears roll by...
I'm with you. Like I said, I prefer the rerecorded version by Marianne Faithfull. I'll never (fully) understand why people prefer the original recording. It's...bland. :-\\
BTW: I had never heard the Torero's version until yesterday... ;D
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #27. As Tears Go By
Written By: Paul on 02/08/11 at 12:04 pm
Not a bad version of a pretty ho-hum song (whoever's had a crack at it)...
I presume the other side is a cover of the Kinks/Who number - there couldn't have been another song with that title!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #27. As Tears Go By
Written By: Philip Eno on 02/08/11 at 2:16 pm
I absolutely adore the Marianne Faithfull and like the original by the Rolling Stones.
Has anyone heard Nancy Sinatra's cover of As Tears Go By?
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #27. As Tears Go By
Written By: seamermar on 02/10/11 at 1:57 pm
The Torero's were a Dutch band of shortlived fame
Perhaps because of such a weirdo of Spanish name :o
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #27. As Tears Go By
Written By: Henk on 02/13/11 at 3:44 pm
I presume the other side is a cover of the Kinks/Who number - there couldn't have been another song with that title!
Yes, it is - although the Kinks version isn't really an original as well.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #27. As Tears Go By
Written By: Henk on 02/13/11 at 3:49 pm
New weekend, new cover.
Boogie Nights
Original artist: Heatwave
Year: 1977
Chart positions: US #2, UK #2, NL #17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdfN-vWWSQk
Cover by: LaFleur
Year: 1983
Chart positions: US n/a, UK n/a, NL #15
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buoUgGFATzs
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #28. Boogie Nights
Written By: Henk on 02/13/11 at 3:55 pm
LaFleur were yet another Dutch One Hit Wonder, although lead singer Errol Lafleur went on to become one of the Soca Boys (who scored a Dutch #1 hit in 1998 with 'Follow The Leader').
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #28. Boogie Nights
Written By: Paul on 02/13/11 at 4:17 pm
The idea was probably along the lines of 'if we can get a hit with an updated 1970s disco track, we'll try it!' (Think Forrest around the same year!)
This did actually creep into the lower reaches of the British chart in summer 1983, probably due to heavy club play...
However, the whole thing screams '80s' and it's not dated as well as Heatwave's original...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #28. Boogie Nights
Written By: nally on 02/13/11 at 5:50 pm
I only know the original. Never knew that it had been covered!
LaFleur were yet another Dutch One Hit Wonder,
...which is probably why I hadn't heard of them. Thanks for posting it!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #28. Boogie Nights
Written By: whistledog on 02/13/11 at 9:10 pm
Boogie Nights. I know both versions, but only knew the La Fleur version when I stumbled upon it when I was browsing the UK Top 100 chart. Not as good as the Heatwave ortiginal, but still not bad.
I put the La Fleur version on a UK Chart hits of the 80s compilation I am still working on.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #28. Boogie Nights
Written By: Henk on 02/14/11 at 4:50 pm
The idea was probably along the lines of 'if we can get a hit with an updated 1970s disco track, we'll try it!' (Think Forrest around the same year!)
I'm not quite sure what they were thinking, but it sorta worked (seeing how it outdid the original version in Dutch charts).
This did actually creep into the lower reaches of the British chart in summer 1983, probably due to heavy club play...
I'm amazed. I truly am.
However, the whole thing screams '80s' and it's not dated as well as Heatwave's original...
It sounded OK to me at the time. But in retrospect...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #28. Boogie Nights
Written By: Philip Eno on 02/18/11 at 2:35 am
New weekend, new cover.
Boogie Nights
Original artist: Heatwave
Year: 1977
Chart positions: US #2, UK #2, NL #17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdfN-vWWSQk
Cover by: LaFleur
Year: 1983
Chart positions: US n/a, UK n/a, NL #15
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buoUgGFATzs
Boogie Nights, a great song by Rod Temperton, the man that gave us Thriller.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #28. Boogie Nights
Written By: Paul on 02/18/11 at 11:18 am
Boogie Nights, a great song by Rod Temperton, the man that gave us Thriller.
Not bad going for a lad from Cleethorpes! Ey-oop...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #28. Boogie Nights
Written By: Henk on 02/21/11 at 3:59 pm
'Nuff said about Boogie Nights. Time to move on to letter C.
(They Long To Be) Close To You
Original artist: Richard Chamberlain
Year: 1963
Chart positions: US #42 (B-side of "Blue Guitar"), UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPdSYxhacY8
Cover by: Jerry Butler & Brenda Lee Eager
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US #66 (Record World Singles Chart), UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPSQ4QuYjE8
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Philip Eno on 02/21/11 at 4:01 pm
'Nuff said about Boogie Nights. Time to move on to letter C.
(They Long To Be) Close To You
Original artist: Richard Chamberlain
Year: 1963
Chart positions: US #42 (B-side of "Blue Guitar"), UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPdSYxhacY8
Cover by: Jerry Butler & Brenda Lee Eager
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US #66 (Record World Singles Chart), UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPSQ4QuYjE8
I only know The Carpenters version of this song.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Henk on 02/21/11 at 4:02 pm
Bet you'd (conveniently) forgotten about Richard Chamberlain ::)...and bet you've never even heard the Butler & Eager version. I can't find any evidence of it making the Billboard charts.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Henk on 02/21/11 at 4:03 pm
I only know The Carpenters version of this song.
There are at least 58 known recordings of the song.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Philip Eno on 02/21/11 at 4:17 pm
There are at least 58 known recordings of the song.
Oh my!!
After looking online, I must hear the cover by Dusty Springfield.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: gibbo on 02/21/11 at 6:25 pm
I didn't like either version. Chamberlain's was just plain awful .... and Butler & Eager killed it for me. The Carpenters is the only version I have liked (that I have heard so far). It's just about right ....
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: whistledog on 02/21/11 at 8:11 pm
I liked Gwen Guthrie's 1986 version, but The Carpenters version always stood out as best. I was not even aware that Chamberlain did it first. I always thought it was first done by Karen and Richard. In the complete catalog of Bacharach/David compositions, the song itself stands out as one of the best
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: nally on 02/22/11 at 1:45 pm
The Carpenters is the only version I have liked (that I have heard so far). It's just about right ....
I'm totally with you on that. I wasn't aware of any other versions of it up until now.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Henk on 02/22/11 at 5:03 pm
I didn't like either version. Chamberlain's was just plain awful .... and Butler & Eager killed it for me. The Carpenters is the only version I have liked (that I have heard so far). It's just about right ....
Sorry to hear that. :-\\ I thought Chamberlain did a pretty decent job. Nothing to get overly excited about, but not bad either. That said, I'm glad he chose acting over singing.
And I actually like the Butler & Eager version. :-
I liked Gwen Guthrie's 1986 version, but The Carpenters version always stood out as best. I was not even aware that Chamberlain did it first. I always thought it was first done by Karen and Richard. In the complete catalog of Bacharach/David compositions, the song itself stands out as one of the best
I don't think a lot of people know, Jason (I know I didn't, for one). And there were others before The Carpenters as well.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Paul on 02/23/11 at 2:26 pm
I was not even aware that Chamberlain did it first. I always thought it was first done by Karen and Richard.
Quite a rarity this...a Bacharach/David song which Dionne Warwick didn't call first dibs on!
Can't say I'm taken with either...the Carpenters version will always reign supreme (and the less said about Gwen Guthrie, the better! :P)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Henk on 02/23/11 at 2:48 pm
Quite a rarity this...a Bacharach/David song which Dionne Warwick didn't call first dibs on!
Maybe she didn't see the potential...? :-\\
Can't say I'm taken with either...
You're hard to please... :P ;)
the Carpenters version will always reign supreme (and the less said about Gwen Guthrie, the better! :P)
Don't get me wrong, I like the Carpenters version best as well. But what if, say, the Chamberlain version had become a smash hit instead of the Carpenters version..? Would we still be thinking the same thing..? :-\\ There's just no telling, is there?
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Paul on 02/23/11 at 5:09 pm
Don't get me wrong, I like the Carpenters version best as well. But what if, say, the Chamberlain version had become a smash hit instead of the Carpenters version..? Would we still be thinking the same thing..? :-\\ There's just no telling, is there?
I'm not sure...RC could hold a tune, but hell, did his voice have a monotonous quality!
I think you could safely say that, were it not for 'Dr. Kildare' (the TV show that made him a star) the records he made at the time would have been totally overlooked...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #29. (They Long To Be) Close To You
Written By: Henk on 02/28/11 at 1:41 pm
With all the audio quiz action going on I nearly forgot to post a new cover.
Dancing In The Moonlight
Original artist: Boffalongo
Year: 1970
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax7pRgI_iAg
Cover by: King Harvest
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US #13, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR47TZdJg64
...and because I know you're gonna ask for it...
Cover by: Toploader
Year: 2000
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #19, NL #16
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-oMHPZgKJc
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #30. Dancing In The Moonlight
Written By: Paul on 02/28/11 at 2:23 pm
Good call...I never knew the King Harvest version was a cover...
King Harvest's version is the one I normally lean towards, although there's not a huge deal of difference between the three...but that's just me!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #30. Dancing In The Moonlight
Written By: Henk on 02/28/11 at 3:17 pm
Good call...I never knew the King Harvest version was a cover...
Well, one could argue that it's not really a cover version. Both Wells Kelly and Doc Robinson were members of Boffalongo before joining King Harvest.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #30. Dancing In The Moonlight
Written By: whistledog on 03/01/11 at 1:20 pm
I didn't know the King Harvest version was a cover either, but that Toploader version was FANTASTIC! I nearly wore out the CD when it first came out.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #30. Dancing In The Moonlight
Written By: Philip Eno on 03/01/11 at 4:32 pm
With all the audio quiz action going on I nearly forgot to post a new cover.
Dancing In The Moonlight
Original artist: Boffalongo
Year: 1970
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax7pRgI_iAg
Cover by: King Harvest
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US #13, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR47TZdJg64
...and because I know you're gonna ask for it...
Cover by: Toploader
Year: 2000
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #19, NL #16
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-oMHPZgKJc
Once again, I thought there was only version of the song (and that by Toploader), I am learning my each time I come to this topic.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #30. Dancing In The Moonlight
Written By: Henk on 03/01/11 at 4:42 pm
Once again, I thought there was only version of the song (and that by Toploader), I am learning my each time I come to this topic.
I'll take that as a compliment. :)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #30. Dancing In The Moonlight
Written By: Henk on 03/13/11 at 1:53 am
Oh dear... I missed a week! :D Better get things going again.
Everything I Own
Original artist: Bread
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US #5, UK #32, NL #57
(Sorry, only David Gates in this video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pfTfMoR8sg
Cover by: Boy George
Year: 1987
Chart positions: US #45 (Dance Music/Club Play Singles), UK #1, NL #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxKLWIn3Ng8
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: Henk on 03/13/11 at 2:00 am
Wow. Never thought I'd say this, but that Boy George version sounds dated. And bland too, compared to the original.
Apart from that, he took so many liberties with the lyrics that one can hardly call it a cover.
So the thumbs up from me for Bread on this one.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: Philip Eno on 03/13/11 at 2:05 am
Oh dear... I missed a week! :D Better get things going again.
Everything I Own
Original artist: Bread
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US #5, UK #32, NL #57
(Sorry, only David Gates in this video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pfTfMoR8sg
Cover by: Boy George
Year: 1987
Chart positions: US #45 (Dance Music/Club Play Singles), UK #1, NL #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxKLWIn3Ng8
Bread every time for me, although this song is frequently interpreted as a romantic love song, David Gates actually wrote the song as a tribute to his late father.
I first knew of this song for Ken Boothe's reggae cover from 1974.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aKCKssaLQ8
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: Henk on 03/13/11 at 2:15 am
I first knew of this song for Ken Boothe's reggae cover from 1974.
Interesting. I've never heard this version before, but it's ok.
I notice mr. Boothe has completely skipped the second verse. At least Boy George kept the second verse, although he completely rewrote it.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: Philip Eno on 03/13/11 at 2:16 am
Interesting. I've never heard this version before, but it's ok.
I notice mr. Boothe has completely skipped the second verse. At least Boy George kept the second verse, although he completely rewrote it.
I did not noticed that.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: whistledog on 03/13/11 at 6:01 pm
Bread hit #5 in Canada
Boy George reached #13
Always found it odd how George's cover was not well received in the US. It is the version that I know best and I do like it, but the Bread original is still far superior.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: Paul on 03/18/11 at 7:59 am
Much as I do like the odd bit of reggae, it doesn't lend itself at all well to this delightful song...
Those two covers mentioned above sailed to the very summit of the British chart with 13 years separating them, while Bread's original struggled to #32...is there no justice?
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: Henk on 03/18/11 at 2:48 pm
Much as I do like the odd bit of reggae, it doesn't lend itself at all well to this delightful song...
Those two covers mentioned above sailed to the very summit of the British chart with 13 years separating them, while Bread's original struggled to #32...is there no justice?
Well, I gave you some karma... ::) ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: Henk on 03/19/11 at 3:41 am
OK... Feast your ears on this!
A Forest
Original artist: Cure
Year: 1980
Chart positions: US #47 (Dance Music/Club Play Singles), UK #31, NL #31
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xik-y0xlpZ0
Cover by: Bat For Lashes
Year: 2008
Chart positions: US n/a, UK n/a, NL n/a (album track only)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxl-ajeS9k
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: gibbo on 03/19/11 at 4:42 am
OK... Feast your ears on this!
A Forest
Original artist: Cure
Year: 1980
Chart positions: US #47 (Dance Music/Club Play Singles), UK #31, NL #31
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xik-y0xlpZ0
Cover by: Bat For Lashes
Year: 2008
Chart positions: US n/a, UK n/a, NL n/a (album track only)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxl-ajeS9k
I love both versions of the song. The Cure delivers...well, what The Cure always delivers....a compelling sound and appropraite facial expression! ;)
The Bat for Lashes version was a revelation. I hadn't heard it before... It is dramatic and I like the slower more deliberate beat.
Thanks Henk. My 19 year old daughter came in to see what I was listening to ... and advised that she has The Cure version on her Ipod. She went off to get this other version... :)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #31. Everything I Own
Written By: Henk on 03/19/11 at 7:23 am
I love both versions of the song. The Cure delivers...well, what The Cure always delivers....a compelling sound and appropraite facial expression! ;)
I was quite shocked to see Robert Smith without his usual make up. :D
The Bat for Lashes version was a revelation. I hadn't heard it before... It is dramatic and I like the slower more deliberate beat.
Thanks Henk. My 19 year old daughter came in to see what I was listening to ... and advised that she has The Cure version on her Ipod. She went off to get this other version... :)
Bat For Lashes basically is just a moniker for multi instrumentalist Natasha Khan. All of her songs have the same haunting, elusive feel. So far, she's had two albums out ("Fur And Gold" and "Two Suns"). I happen to have both. 8)
I suggest your daughter also tries "Daniel" (a minor hit in UK), "Moon And Moon" and "Sleep Alone". I don't think she'll be disappointed. ;)
Note: Please listen to the "Live Abbey Road (2009)" versions on YouTube. Significantly better than the video versions.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #32. A Forest
Written By: whistledog on 03/19/11 at 11:14 pm
Though I had never heard it before, I kind of like the Bat For Lashes version better.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #32. A Forest
Written By: Paul on 03/21/11 at 2:24 pm
I've never really been taken with The Cure and that cover doesn't do anything for me either...
Pretty much a 'non-song' to my ears, sorry... :-\\
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #32. A Forest
Written By: karen on 03/22/11 at 9:36 am
Not keen on the cover version personally, but maybe that's because the original is one of my favourite Cure songs.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #32. A Forest
Written By: Henk on 03/22/11 at 5:06 pm
I've never really been taken with The Cure and that cover doesn't do anything for me either...
Pretty much a 'non-song' to my ears, sorry... :-\\
Bleh. :P Maybe I can find a cover of a Chas & Dave song to make your day... :D
Not keen on the cover version personally, but maybe that's because the original is one of my favourite Cure songs.
To be honest: I'm not particularly fond of the cover myself. Bat For Lashes have released better material.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #32. A Forest
Written By: Henk on 03/27/11 at 9:42 am
Here's one in honor of the late Ferlin Husky.
Gone
Original artist: Ferlin Husky
Year: 1952 (as Terry Preston) / 1957 (as himself)
Chart positions: US #4, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ4rvIdNAXM
Cover by: Joey Heatherton
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYuAiKQl7m0
In the video to the Joey Heatherton version, there's a claim this was a Top 40 hit. I can't find any evidence of that, though.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #33. Gone
Written By: whistledog on 03/27/11 at 11:36 am
Here's one in honor of the late Ferlin Husky.
Gone
Original artist: Ferlin Husky
Year: 1952 (as Terry Preston) / 1957 (as himself)
Chart positions: US #4, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ4rvIdNAXM
Cover by: Joey Heatherton
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US dnc, UK dnc, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYuAiKQl7m0
In the video to the Joey Heatherton version, there's a claim this was a Top 40 hit. I can't find any evidence of that, though.
I can tell you that Joey's version reached #25 in Canada. It's actually a 70s song that I know. Never knew of the Ferlin version, but after a listen, I do know it. I still like Joey's version best.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #33. Gone
Written By: Henk on 03/27/11 at 3:00 pm
I can tell you that Joey's version reached #25 in Canada.
Ah, so the claim was rightful.
It's actually a 70s song that I know.
But not well enough to recognize it in my quiz. ;) :P
Never knew of the Ferlin version, but after a listen, I do know it. I still like Joey's version best.
Even though Husky is probably the better singer of the two, I feel the Heatherton version is an improvement. But that's just my opinion.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #33. Gone
Written By: whistledog on 03/27/11 at 4:33 pm
But not well enough to recognize it in my quiz. ;) :P
I only know it to hear it, but I didn't know the name of it until this thread lol
Just the other day, I found out the name of a song by The Band, that I have heard for years, but never new the name of lol
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #33. Gone
Written By: Paul on 03/27/11 at 4:38 pm
But not well enough to recognize it in my quiz. ;) :P
Conversely, I knew the basics of the song, but wasn't familiar with this version...
Even though Husky is probably the better singer of the two, I feel the Heatherton version is an improvement. But that's just my opinion.
A pretty fair judgement...hers is a much better arrangement, even if the song is yer typical country fare...
Bleh. :P Maybe I can find a cover of a Chas & Dave song to make your day... :D
Don't encourage 'em...if they've somehow covered a Cure song, I wouldn't be surprised! :P
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #33. Gone
Written By: Henk on 04/02/11 at 5:20 am
See if anyone remembers this...
Hush
Original artist: Billy Joe Royal
Year: 1967
Chart positions: US #52, UK dnc, NL #5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCV-Y2OPLT8
Cover by: Kula Shaker
Year: 1997
Chart positions: US #19 (Mainstream Rock Tracks), UK #2, NL #23
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh7r_f_rw0c
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #34. Hush
Written By: whistledog on 04/02/11 at 12:00 pm
Ha! I didn't even know Hush was a cover. I used to love Kula Shaker, but completely forgot about them until now.
the original is not bad. Billy Joe Royal was a great entertainer.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #34. Hush
Written By: Henk on 04/03/11 at 12:37 am
Ha! I didn't even know Hush was a cover. I used to love Kula Shaker, but completely forgot about them until now.
the original is not bad. Billy Joe Royal was a great entertainer.
So the only version of this song you knew was the Kula Shaker one..? ??? Because there are other cover versions of Hush, most noticeably the one by Deep Purple.
What's interesting (if you care about these things): this was both Billy Joe Royal's and Kula Shaker's biggest hit in the Netherlands.
Oddly, I don't remember this song at all (in either version). I only know Kula Shaker for Tattva, but that didn't even make our bubbling under section.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #34. Hush
Written By: whistledog on 04/03/11 at 1:17 am
I was only familiar with the Kula Shaker version, but having listened to the Deep Purple version, I have heard it before. It's strange how some songs that are covers, you sometimes don't recognize.
At the time, Tattva was the only Kula Shaker song I knew, so when they released their greatest hits album 'Kollected' in 2002, I picked it up, and explored the rest of their work.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #34. Hush
Written By: nally on 04/04/11 at 12:11 pm
So the only version of this song you knew was the Kula Shaker one..? ??? Because there are other cover versions of Hush, most noticeably the one by Deep Purple.
What's interesting (if you care about these things): this was both Billy Joe Royal's and Kula Shaker's biggest hit in the Netherlands.
Oddly, I don't remember this song at all (in either version). I only know Kula Shaker for Tattva, but that didn't even make our bubbling under section.
Interesting; I only know the Deep Purple version, which was popular in the US.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #34. Hush
Written By: Paul on 04/04/11 at 1:42 pm
Purple's version is my choice...
Written by Joe South, who, like a lot of great songwriters, had more success when his songs were covered...
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #34. Hush
Written By: Henk on 04/11/11 at 2:38 pm
I somehow missed your reply, Paul. :-\\
Purple's version is my choice...
You can't pick Deep Purple. It's either Billy Joe Royal or Kula Shaker. :P :D
Written by Joe South, who, like a lot of great songwriters, had more success when his songs were covered...
Very true. And very odd, too, if you think about it. It's not like Billy Joe Royal is an exceptionally goodlookin' guy. :-\\ Or an exceptionally good singer, for that matter.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #34. Hush
Written By: Henk on 04/11/11 at 2:58 pm
Time for something new and ... well, very 1980's (the cover, that is)... ;D ::)
I Can See Clearly Now
Original artist: Johnny Nash
Year: 1972
Chart positions: US #1, UK #5, NL dnc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkwJ-g0iJ6w
Cover by: Lee Towers
Year: 1982
Chart positions: US n/a, UK n/a, NL #10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KKp5rCXJCc
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: Henk on 04/11/11 at 3:09 pm
Here's a little something about Lee Towers.
The UK had Frankie Vaughan, the Netherlands had (or rather, has) Lee Towers. He's covered just about anything he could lay his hands on - with mixed success.
His real name is Leen Huyzer, and he was a professional crane driver on the Rotterdam docks until his musical breakthrough in 1975. In spite of this video being 7 years later, you can still tell he's not used to performing.
The elbow movement is one of his trademarks, along with his gold microphone (but he acquired that one a few years later).
FYI: I think this is actually one of his better covers.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: gibbo on 04/11/11 at 7:02 pm
I still like Johnny Nash's original best....and he holds the long note too (although this performance was most probably lip synced). :-\\
Lee Towers makes a good fist of the song. He sings it as a straight cover and sounds a bit like Engelbert (nice voice). I agree that he was still learning his stage craft. ;D
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: Henk on 04/12/11 at 12:02 am
I still like Johnny Nash's original best....and he holds the long note too (although this performance was most probably lip synced). :-\\
Live or lip synched - it's still a great performance.
Lee Towers makes a good fist of the song. He sings it as a straight cover and sounds a bit like Engelbert (nice voice). I agree that he was still learning his stage craft. ;D
Lee will be very pleased to hear this. And I think he'll agree with you on the last part.
He's also covered "You'll Never Walk Alone" (among many many others) and turned it into something of a Feyenoord anthem - but honestly, I think he should have left that one alone.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: karen on 04/12/11 at 11:26 am
I listened to the Lee Towers version first and think it's a decent enough cover, though he changed the lyric in the bridge.
I thought the version I knew was by a female, but listening to the Johnny Nash, maybe I was wrong! :-[
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: whistledog on 04/12/11 at 4:28 pm
That Lee Towers version wasn't bad. My favourite cover will always be the Jimmy Cliff version from the 90s movie 'Cool Runnings'
Jimmy's 1993 version reached #16 in Canada
Johnny's version reached #1
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: nally on 04/12/11 at 4:30 pm
I only know the original Johnny Nash version and the Jimmy Cliff cover, both of which were big hits in the US. :)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: Henk on 04/12/11 at 4:35 pm
I thought the version I knew was by a female, but listening to the Johnny Nash, maybe I was wrong! :-[
I know exactly what you mean. ;)
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: gibbo on 04/12/11 at 6:27 pm
I listened to the Lee Towers version first and think it's a decent enough cover, though he changed the lyric in the bridge.
I thought the version I knew was by a female, but listening to the Johnny Nash, maybe I was wrong! :-[
He DOES have a high toned voice.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: Paul on 04/14/11 at 1:33 pm
You'll doubtless be surprised to learn that...
Johnny Nash...absolutely!
Any other version (Hothouse Flowers also please take note)...no thanks! Some things just shouldn't be touched at all!
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: whistledog on 04/14/11 at 1:56 pm
Any other version (Hothouse Flowers also please take note)...no thanks! Some things just shouldn't be touched at all!
As much as I love Hothouse Flowers, their version was too slow and boring.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #35. I Can See Clearly Now
Written By: Henk on 05/01/11 at 1:19 am
About time I put a new one up...
Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
Original artist: Hank Williams
Year: 1952
Chart positions: US n/a, UK n/a, NL n/a
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnKOVPXhlnE
Cover by: The Carpenters
Year: 1973
Chart positions: US dnc, UK #12, NL #3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvD_YFtJ7ek
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #36. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
Written By: Henk on 05/01/11 at 1:21 am
I know, the Hank Williams version isn't really "the" original. The song is much older than that.
And I know, The Carpenters were only one of many to follow in Hank's footsteps.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #36. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
Written By: Philip Eno on 05/01/11 at 2:25 am
Jo Stafford recorded and released Jambalaya in 1952, reached #11 in the UK Charts and Fats Domino in 1962 reaching #41.
I have always liked the Fats Domino version.
Subject: Re: Henk's Covers Corner - #36. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
Written By: gibbo on 05/01/11 at 4:07 am
Never really liked this song ... but it has always been a curiosity of mine (as I could never quite make out the lyrics). I prefer the Carpenters style (less countryfied). Hank was never a favourite of mine (a different Hank...Henk ;)).