Hello readers! This week's post is all about your tastes and for me to have a little fun with you! I was listening to my music the other day and realized there are several songs that have been recorded and played on the air by different artists. Some of the artists who did it second either made it their own, improved, or bombed the original.
I have found some examples of these types of songs and will let you make the call of who did it better. Of course I will give you my opinion too.
Let's get started with two versions of Ain't No Mountain High Enough
The composition was first successful as a 1967 hit single recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, becoming a hit again in 1970 when recorded by The Supremes frontwoman Diana Ross. The song became Ross's first solo number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award. I like the original in this case.
So now you make the call
Next is Atlantic City originally recorded by Bruce Springsteen which first appeared on Springsteen's 1982 solo album Nebraska, considered to be one of Springsteen's most dour albums in tone. It has since often been heard in a full band arrangement in concert. The song depicts a young couple's romantic escape to the New Jersey city Atlantic City, but also wrestles with the inevitability of death as the man in the relationship intends to take a job in organized crime once arriving in the city. The opening lines of "Atlantic City" refer to mafia violence in nearby Philadelphia, with Springsteen singing: "Well they blew up the chicken man in Philly last night, now they blew up his house too" (the "chicken man" was mafia boss Philip Testa, who was killed by a bomb planted at his Philadelphia house in March 1981). The Hold Steady released a version of the song in 2009. And for me the winner is: The Hold Steady (shocked aren't you?)
Now you make the call:
Rock and Roll Music was originally recorded by Chuck Berry in 1957.The song has been recorded by a number of other well-known artists, including Humble Pie, Manic Street Preachers, Bill Haley & His Comets, REO Speedwagon, Mental As Anything, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Tenpole Tudor. Between the three below I will still say the first is the best.
Chuck's version
The Beatles version
The Beach Boys version
Now you make the call:
Just a few more to go, though we could do this all day! I hope you are having as much fun as I am.
Next up Hurt by Nine Inch Nails that was recorded by many other artists, most notably Johnny Cash. The song written by Trent Reznor, first released on Nine Inch Nails' 1994 album The Downward Spiral. In 2002, "Hurt" was covered by Johnny Cash to critical acclaim; it was one of Cash's final hit releases before his death. Its accompanying video, featuring images from Cash's life and directed by Mark Romanek, was named the best video of the year by the Grammy Awards and CMA Awards, and the best video of all time by NME in July 2011. I will have to agree that Johnny's is better.
NIN version
Johnny Cash version
Now you make the call
Next is a sad song entitled Last Kiss. Last Kiss is a song that was released by Wayne Cochran in 1961 on the Gala label. It was unsuccessful chartwise. Cochran subsequently re-recorded his song for the King label in 1963. The song was later revived in 1964 by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers. Pearl Jam also covered the song in 1998-99. Originally only performed in concerts, "Last Kiss" began to be played by radio stations and was ultimately put into heavy rotation across the country. By popular demand the cover was released to the public as a single on June 8, 1999, with all of the proceeds going to the aid of refugees of the Kosovo War. The cover was also featured on the 1999 charity compilation album, No Boundaries: A Benefit for the Kosovar Refugees. The song helped earn around 10 million dollars for Kosovo relief. The cover would end up reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 just like the Cavaliers version in 1964. This remains Pearl Jam's highest position on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at number four on the Top 40 Mainstream. I think that the Pearl Jam version is by far the best out of the three.
Wayne Cochran version
Cavaliers version
Pearl Jam version
Now you make the call
Now to get a little political (gasp!) with American Woman. The song was originally done by Canadian rock band The Guess Who, who first released it in January 1970 on the album of the same name and later in March as a single, which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has been covered by many rock artists, including The Butthole Surfers, Krokus, and most notably Lenny Kravitz. The song's lyrics have been the matter of some debate, often interpreted as an attack on U.S. politics (especially the draft). Jim Kale, the group's bassist and the song's co-author, explained his take on the lyrics:
“The popular misconception was that it was a chauvinistic tune, which was anything but the case. The fact was, we came from a very strait-laced, conservative, laid-back country, and all of a sudden, there we were in Chicago, Detroit, New York — all these horrendously large places with their big city problems. After that one particularly grinding tour, it was just a real treat to go home and see the girls we had grown up with. Also, the war was going on, and that was terribly unpopular. We didn't have a draft system in Canada, and we were grateful for that. A lot of people called it anti-American, but it wasn't really. We weren't anti-anything. John Lennon once said that the meanings of all songs come after they are recorded. Someone else has to interpret them." I enjoy the original in this case.
The Guess Who version
Lenny Kravitz version:
Now you make the call
Finally readers the two versions of one song I struggle with the most. It is very hard for me to pick which version of Across the Universe. Originally done by The Beatles it was redone by Fiona Apple for the movie Pleasantville. I have listen to both versions several times and still can't decide which I prefer, so dear reader I need you to make the call for me.
The Beatles version
Fiona Apple version
For one final time, you make the call
Thanks for playing this game of mine readers! There will most likely be a follow up where we play round two and discuss versions of Killing Me Softly, Lady Marmalade, Lean On Me, and many others. As a prize for playing today's game, I leave you with a cover of another Beatles song, this time done in concert by Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and Phil Collins and many others. Enjoy Golden Slumbers....until next time.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
John, Ray, Bruce, and...Ray
Hello readers!
I am back on this 3rd week of September to mark a few birthdays. It has been one year since the starting of The Music Phile blog, and I thank all of you who have read so far and hope you may have learned something. I promise to keep sharing with you what music I like, things that are on my mind, and some music trivia you probably don't ever need to know.
This week in September, I would also like you all to join me in celebrating some of my favorite people's birthdays: John Coltrane, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen and most importantly my dad, Ray.
Let's talk about how these gentlemen have and continue to affect my life, starting with John Coltrane.
For those of you who do not know John Coltrane, Ray Charles, and Bruce Springsteen were all born on September 23rd.
John Coltrane was a prolific American jazz saxaphonist, organizing at least fifty recording sessions as a leader during his recording career, and appeared as a sideman on many other albums, notably with trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk.
I will be the first to admit I am not a huge fan of most jazz music, but when I hear Coltrane, I instantly relax and whatever foul mood I may be in dissipates within the first few notes. Take for example Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" It is the seventh album from Coltrane and released in 1961 on Atlantic Records. It was the first album to feature Coltrane's playing on soprano saxophone, and yielded a commercial breakthrough in the form of a hit single that gained popularity in 1961 on radio, an edited version of the title song, "My Favorite Things." In 1998, the album was a recipient of the Grammy Hall of Fame award.
Let's move on to Ray Charles. Ray Charles was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records. He also helped racially integrate country and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, most notably with his Modern Sounds album. While with ABC, Charles became one of the first African-American musicians to be given artistic control by a mainstream record company. Frank Sinatra called Charles “the only true genius in show business.” For me Ray Charles' story is one of a genius overcoming many obstacles and always striving for perfection no matter the cost. Many have you may have seen the biopic Ray starring Jamie Foxx and can attest to that genius, if you haven't I highly recommend it along with my personal favorite Ray Charles songs:
The Night Time is the Right Time
What I'd Say
I'm Busted
Bruce Springsteen, the only Boss I listen to. Need I say more? Seriously those of you who have read this blog often know the admitted obsession I have with The Boss. There is a passion that Springsteen brings to his songwriting, singing and performance of his songs that for me and millions of other fans is a truly religious experience.
I could spend the rest of this blog sharing with you my favorite memories and song after song favorites of Bruce, but instead I think after much internal debate, I will share with you my top3 4 favorite Bruce Songs (in no particular order)
I'm Goin Down
The Promised Land
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
Kitty's Back
And last but not least let's focus on Ray, the best dad a guy could want.
Though born not on September 23rd, but the 21st Ray has taught me many lessons in my life. Though he may not realize the impact he had on my musical tastes as a kid, I remember music being played often in our house and having the radio on while he sat with me or read to me as he was getting me to go to sleep many nights.
Here are some of the songs and artists I know are his favorites and have found a special place in my heart as well. I love you papa-san!
Three Dog Night
Linda Ronstadt
Dr. Hook
Buddy Holly
Merle Haggard
And finally one of the first 45 records my dad bought me was the instant classic:
There you have it readers, a week of celebrations. Enjoy the music, until next time.....
I am back on this 3rd week of September to mark a few birthdays. It has been one year since the starting of The Music Phile blog, and I thank all of you who have read so far and hope you may have learned something. I promise to keep sharing with you what music I like, things that are on my mind, and some music trivia you probably don't ever need to know.
This week in September, I would also like you all to join me in celebrating some of my favorite people's birthdays: John Coltrane, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen and most importantly my dad, Ray.
Let's talk about how these gentlemen have and continue to affect my life, starting with John Coltrane.
For those of you who do not know John Coltrane, Ray Charles, and Bruce Springsteen were all born on September 23rd.
John Coltrane was a prolific American jazz saxaphonist, organizing at least fifty recording sessions as a leader during his recording career, and appeared as a sideman on many other albums, notably with trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk.
I will be the first to admit I am not a huge fan of most jazz music, but when I hear Coltrane, I instantly relax and whatever foul mood I may be in dissipates within the first few notes. Take for example Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" It is the seventh album from Coltrane and released in 1961 on Atlantic Records. It was the first album to feature Coltrane's playing on soprano saxophone, and yielded a commercial breakthrough in the form of a hit single that gained popularity in 1961 on radio, an edited version of the title song, "My Favorite Things." In 1998, the album was a recipient of the Grammy Hall of Fame award.
Let's move on to Ray Charles. Ray Charles was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records. He also helped racially integrate country and pop music during the 1960s with his crossover success on ABC Records, most notably with his Modern Sounds album. While with ABC, Charles became one of the first African-American musicians to be given artistic control by a mainstream record company. Frank Sinatra called Charles “the only true genius in show business.” For me Ray Charles' story is one of a genius overcoming many obstacles and always striving for perfection no matter the cost. Many have you may have seen the biopic Ray starring Jamie Foxx and can attest to that genius, if you haven't I highly recommend it along with my personal favorite Ray Charles songs:
Seven Spanish Angels
The Night Time is the Right Time
What I'd Say
I'm Busted
Bruce Springsteen, the only Boss I listen to. Need I say more? Seriously those of you who have read this blog often know the admitted obsession I have with The Boss. There is a passion that Springsteen brings to his songwriting, singing and performance of his songs that for me and millions of other fans is a truly religious experience.
I could spend the rest of this blog sharing with you my favorite memories and song after song favorites of Bruce, but instead I think after much internal debate, I will share with you my top
I'm Goin Down
The Promised Land
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
Kitty's Back
And last but not least let's focus on Ray, the best dad a guy could want.
Though born not on September 23rd, but the 21st Ray has taught me many lessons in my life. Though he may not realize the impact he had on my musical tastes as a kid, I remember music being played often in our house and having the radio on while he sat with me or read to me as he was getting me to go to sleep many nights.
Here are some of the songs and artists I know are his favorites and have found a special place in my heart as well. I love you papa-san!
Three Dog Night
Linda Ronstadt
Dr. Hook
Buddy Holly
Merle Haggard
And finally one of the first 45 records my dad bought me was the instant classic:
There you have it readers, a week of celebrations. Enjoy the music, until next time.....
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