BAD COVER VERSION 004: GOT TO BE GOOD LOOKING COS HE’S SO HARD TO SEE

Continuing our coverage of artists attempting to cover the classics, it’s probably inevitable that a Beatles song should make its way into this series. And it’s only fitting, since the Beatles themselves did quite a few covers in their day. But covering the Beatles is tricky business. On the one hand, you’ve got Grade A material to work with. On the other, yr under the shadow of one of the most successful and influential bands ever. So it’s probably only fair to schedule a handicap match. So here’s two covers for the price of one.

THE SONG: “Come Together”

THE ORIGINAL: The Beatles

COMMENTS: Well, it IS the Beatles. And the song just oozes with slightly menacing cool that forms the core of its appeal. And let’s face it, no one really makes “Awww” sound naughty like Lennon did.

THE COVER: Sugababes

COMMENTS: Musically, it doesn’t stray too far from the source, apart from the heavier guitars – though that’s pretty adventurous by Sugababe standards. That said, the Sugababes do capitalize on the cool factor and give it a healthy, sassy dose of sexy soul harmony that works like a charm – if yr a sucker for that sort of thing. Which I am.

TAG TEAM PARTNER: Soundgarden

COMMENTS: Typically for them, Soundgarden throw out the blueprint and do it their way. The end result is good, but not necessarily better than what the Beatles did, or better than a lot of original Soundgarden material, for that matter. That said, Chris Cornell’s voice is as compelling as ever.

WINNER: Sugababes do the better cover, but at the end of the day the Beatles wrote it, and their version remains the one to beat.

DISCLAIMER: Yes, I know about Aerosmith’s version, which is pretty good, but that was for the movie version of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which was awful, so I’m not counting that. However, here’s the clip from the film, which is recommended if you want to see Steven Tyler get his ass kicked by Peter Frampton. Which is funny, yet WRONG in so many ways.

Next week: Herman’s Hermits vs Banana Erectors!

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52 RATS (#5 OF 52): BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP AND THEY’LL BUILD A BETTER MOUSE

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