BAD COVER VERSION 017: IT BURNS, BURNS, BURNS

Sometimes the best cover songs are the ones that cross music genres, if only because it almost guarantees an alternate interpretation that lets fans hear the song in a new way. And if done right, it can also show that the genres themselves aren’t as clearly demarcated as fans might think. Or not. Let’s find out!

THE SONG: “Ring Of Fire”

THE ORIGINAL: Johnny Cash

COMMENTS: The biggest hit of Johnny Cash’s career was actually written June Carter and Merle Gilgore and recorded first by Anita Carter. Cash added the mariachi horns for his own version, but the real stamp of ownership is his classic baritone delivery, turning a song about the fiery power of love into what sounds like penitence for “wild desire”.

( The contenders! And the winner! )

Next week: Heavy metal pioneers vs Swedish lounge pop!

The fire went wild,

This is dF

WE MAKE ART NOT MONEY

The southeast corner of Disco Bay is being belted with wind, rain and lightning this morning. Because we don’t wait for typhoons to come to us. We make our own excitement here. FOOM!

Hopefully it’ll calm down by the time I head off to the Cultural Centre to help strike the set of the Blend Affinity Society’s Chinese Calligraphy and Painting exhibition. The Blend Affinity Society is basically a hobbyist art class for people who want to do painting and/or calligraphy for fun. And, as mentioned, my mother-in-law, Leung Pun Chung, is a member. Here’s a sample of her work on display:



[Other highlights behind that pic, though only four are by her – the others are by fellow students]

This is what she does when we’re off at work all day. I couldn’t tell you how she measures up to “pro” artists, but she’s good enough that she’s had a few of her own solo exhibitions, including one in Seoul. Anyway, I can’t even paint a kitchen, much less a landscape, so I’m impressed.

Paint a pretty picture,

This is dF