I've got ya covered

[Dr. Medulla]

I've been meaning to start a thread about cover versions, whether it's just posting excellen t covers and/or discussion. The idea came back when one cover popped in my mind, which inspired thoughts of another, similar one.

The first, "Keeping the Weekend Free." The original:


The cover:


The versions aren't terribly distinct from each other, but the Liquorice version, with Jenny Toomey (of the DC alt scene), really hammers home the damaged woman, subservient to her abusive boyfriend. The more sparse and pretty arrangement makes her all the more fragile and pitiable.

Along the same lines, but much more stark is "I Can't Stay Mad At You." The original by the great Skeeter Davis:


The cover by Camera Obscura:


Both versions, like "Keeping the Weekend Free," deal with an asshole man and how he treats his partner. Skeeter Davis' is light-hearted, with a certain "Well, gals, that's the way they are!" with perhaps a sly "But I'm onto him, so he's not really in charge" undertone (maybe). The Camera Obscura version, tho, is absolutely heartbreaking. It's mournful, a woman who is trapped and damned well knows it as much as her abuser knows it. She's dictating her will because we all know this guy is going to kill her one day. That CO cover is devastating, one of the most effective rearrangements that shift the song's thrust I've ever heard.

[Marky Dread]

I'm sure we did a covers thread years back. But it's still a good call doc so I'll play.

[Dr. Medulla]

I'm sure we did a covers thread years back. But it's still a good call doc so I'll play.

Now that's a departure from the original! Is there a reason I should know Frazier Chorus? The name is familiar but nothing comes to mind.

[JennyB]

One of my favorites, especially considering my loathing of the source material:

[Marky Dread]

I'm sure we did a covers thread years back. But it's still a good call doc so I'll play.

Now that's a departure from the original! Is there a reason I should know Frazier Chorus? The name is familiar but nothing comes to mind.

Started out on 4AD then moved to Virgin records. Dream pop stuff but without the usual guitar and bass. Less traditional instruments in use. That cover was a B-side and I thought it would be a fun one to post.

[Marky Dread]

Seems apt.

[Dr. Medulla]

Ooo ooo, my favourite Flying Lizards cover:

[Heston]

Love this stomping version of the Frankie Valli song...

[Marky Dread]

Love this stomping version of the Frankie Valli song...

Top cover.

[BitterTom]

[Marky Dread]

I don't mind Lennon's rock n roll covers but that cover hasn't got half the atmosphere of the original.

One of the best rock n roll covers is The Beatles cover of Larry Williams "Bad Boy".

[Heston]

Bad Boy is great. I remember excitedly discovering it on the Collection of Beatles Oldies album.

[Marky Dread]

Bad Boy is great. I remember excitedly discovering it on the Collection of Beatles Oldies album.

Yeah I used to own that back in the day.

Speaking of The Beatles here's one of my favourite covers of one of their songs.

[Marky Dread]

Here's another great 60s cover.

[Dr. Medulla]