Something that gets me hard (musically speaking) is when an awesome classic song is covered by a capable contemporary artist and brought back to life like the phoenix. Now I don't think there's anything wrong with the originals of course, but hearing a new energized and youthful version of a song that was already fantastic can be magical. Examples of artists who do this well are Prince and Muse.
Anyone who knows me remotely well knows that oldies music is my kryptonite. I love lots of music I hear from the 50s and 60s. Not the respectable music snob stuff like Jazz, but the more forgettable forms of music from those time periods. The stuff that is less respected among musical circles and is glossed over. I'm talking about stuff like "Doo-Wop." I am a "Doo-Wop" FIEND. The sorrow, the haunting vocal melodies and harmonies, the fact that most of them use the same chord progression (okay, that annoys me).
But here are some songs from those wonderful decades that I think could use some Rock-vamping (Rock-vamping as I define it is giving a song a new feel and making it become re-energized by spreucing up the arrangement and giving it a little youthful spark and shimmer. It doesn't mean shit, really.)
But here are some songs from those wonderful decades that I think could use some Rock-vamping (Rock-vamping as I define it is giving a song a new feel and making it become re-energized by spreucing up the arrangement and giving it a little youthful spark and shimmer. It doesn't mean shit, really.)
5. Lou Christie - Lightnin' Strikes!
This song is charming, quirky, and has the badboy streak that made Lou
This song is charming, quirky, and has the badboy streak that made Lou
Christie famous in his time. I would love to hear the song given a bit more
of that rebellious attitude, and hear the vocals take a little bit of a rougher
approach, sung in mid-range more (the falsetto is awesome but a little bit
silly and cheesy). This song shouldn't take itself too seriously but maybe
it could present itself with a little bit more badassitude.
4. Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby
Now my boy Rivers Cuomo did a fantastic cover of this song on his "Alone II" album,
a compilation of unreleased recordings featuring the boyish Weezer frontman. He
did the song right, but aside from a rockin' guitar solo, he didn't really revision it
as much as he paid homage to it. Now there's nothing wrong with that but I'd like to
hear a bit more emotion and less "pep" on the whole track... I mean, he can't be
sure that this girl will stay with him just because she says "Don't worry, baby..."
a more rock-tastic version could express the subject's insecurity a bit more.
3. Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
Perfect little romantic ballad. But why couldn't it be more? That bridge is begging
to be sung more evocatively and emotionally with a great rock vocalist. Not "rawk" like
Dave Grohl of course, but by a great, moody band like Muse or maybe Radiohead.
Someone like that. And yes, I was influenced by this song's inclusion in the Watchmen
soundtrack. Suck it.
2. Little Anthony & The Imperials - Goin' Out of My Head
One of my all-time favorite love songs, but I feel like this song is missing a Princely
guitar solo. I mean, it builds and builds and the tension is practically unbearable
and there is no release. It's musical and emotional blue-balls for me every time.
Throw in a guitar solo and some more distraught wailing and- BAM, you've just
been rocked out of your head.
1. Lou Christie - Two Faces Have I
I know I already put Lou Christie on here but this one is a dead ringer and
deserves to be #1. I see the sorrow inherent in that vocal line and wish a
version of it could be made that doesn't belong in crappy diners.And
listen to that bridge, man. There is real beauty there, sabotaged by the song's
cheesy, hokey nature. Just imagine that vocal line without the cheeky falsetto...
this song could make a real emotional impact if it put itself out there. Maybe
someone can save it from itself one day.
Not like it matters because I love these songs anyways... no matter how cheesy
or "gay" they might be. But wouldn't it be something to hear them revitalized by
younger performers? Thanks for reading.
3/22/09
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ya dude these could be done i think cos they are probably public domain by now if they were recorded before 1959 if i've got my facts right.
i could totally see Prince doing Little Anthony