52 RATS (#2 OF 52): MY RATS, LET ME SHOW YOU THEM

This week’s rat: Ben, star of early 70s horror film Willard (not to be confused with the remake starring Crispin Hellion Glover) and its sequel, Ben. With added Ernest Borgnine!

I remember watching both movies on TV late at night when I was in high school. I was very much into movies where animals organize and attack humans at the time. I liked both of them, though I don’t know what I’d make of them now. And no, I haven’t seen the remake.

BONUS TRACK: Michael Jackson sings the love theme to Ben. Remember when he looked human?

Gotta be starting something,

This is dF

BAD COVER VERSION 001: NO ROMANCE FOR ME

I’ve been toying with this idea for awhile, and I’ve been debating whether I should pursue it, because I know perfectly well that you rarely (if ever) click on the YouTube videos I put up here. But I’ve got a blog to run here, so here we go.

Ages ago, when I was young and foolish, some friends and I debated the merits of cover versions. On the one hand, covers are generally, as a rule, never as good as the original. On the other hand, they’re a time-honored rock tradition. Most acts in the 50s were recording a lot of the same songs. Today, of course, they’re mostly done to market soundtracks or because someone who desperately needs a hit single decides to rely on proven hit material. The results aren’t always bad. It depends on how definitive the original version is (z.B., could anyone else REALLY cover “Bohemian Rhapsody” and do it justice?) and the ability of the artist to bring something to the song that wasn’t there previously.

So for yr pleasure, I’ll be contrasting and comparing cover versions with the originals. And as this is a YouTubes exercise of sorts – and because I’m in a Gestalt kind of mood – I’ll also be grading the visual elements as well. (Subject to availability)

So let’s start with the song that gave me the idea to do this in the first place.

THE SONG: “Word Up”

THE ORIGINAL: Cameo

COMMENTS: Gave us mainstream usage of the terms “word up” and “sucker DJs”. Delivered with a sense of fun that the song demands. And codpieces. With added Levar Burton and a sly dig at the New Romantics scene.

THE COVER: Korn

COMMENTS: Brings out the power elements of the song. The barrio dog theme is a bit left-field, though the play on the background vocals works nicely. As do the topless go-go dancers at the end. Points deducted for Jonathan Davis imitating Larry Blackmon instead of using his usual Cookie Monster vocals (though to be honest, that probably would have worked against him).

WINNER: Cameo, but mainly for the codpieces. The Korn version does whip a snow leopard’s ass, so in the end it really comes down to whether you require something funky or something that rawks.

Next week: The Weather Girls vs Geri Halliwell!

Do yr dance quick,

This is dF