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BAD COVER VERSION 006: SORRY, I DON’T PRAY THAT WAY
Continuing last episode’s theme of covers of obscure songs that become more definitive than the original, this week’s song is the classic “Tainted Love”.
Originally recorded by Gloria Jones (a.k.a. the future Mrs Marc Bolan) in 1964 – and technically that was a cover in the sense that it was written by Ed Cobb of The Four Preps – it’s a Northern Soul classic that’s actually been covered by a surprising range of artists. However, only two of them have been reasonably successful. And we have them here tonight. I was initially going to pit them against each other, but then I found out the original Gloria Jones version is on the YouTubes, so it’s a three-way cage match!
THE SONG: “Tainted Love”
THE ORIGINAL: Gloria Jones
COMMENTS: This is actually the first time I’ve ever heard Jones’ version, and it’s pretty cool – classic Northern Soul. It’s hard to imagine this wasn’t a bigger hit for her.
Next week: Leonard Cohen fights John Cale and Jeff Buckley!
Take my tears and that’s not really all,
This is dF
Originally recorded by Gloria Jones (a.k.a. the future Mrs Marc Bolan) in 1964 – and technically that was a cover in the sense that it was written by Ed Cobb of The Four Preps – it’s a Northern Soul classic that’s actually been covered by a surprising range of artists. However, only two of them have been reasonably successful. And we have them here tonight. I was initially going to pit them against each other, but then I found out the original Gloria Jones version is on the YouTubes, so it’s a three-way cage match!
THE SONG: “Tainted Love”
THE ORIGINAL: Gloria Jones
COMMENTS: This is actually the first time I’ve ever heard Jones’ version, and it’s pretty cool – classic Northern Soul. It’s hard to imagine this wasn’t a bigger hit for her.
COVER #1: Soft Cell.
COMMENTS: Obviously this is the version most people over the age of 17 heard first, and the one that inspired other bands to cover the song (except, interestingly, for Blue Oyster Cult, who covered it a year before Soft Cell). And lit’s a great version, with Marc Almond’s emoting and Dave Ball’s beeping synth hook, without which Rihanna, let’s face it, would have no career. Oh, and the video is unabashedly camp.
COVER #2: Marilyn Manson
COMMENTS: To MM’s credit, he manages to incorporate his own sound into it quite well and take the “love gone wrong” theme to howling new levels of emotional pain. It’s a good effort, but what really makes it is the video, which has nothing to do with the song, but how many of us haven’t imagined crashing the popular kids’ party with a limousine full of bisexual Goth bikini babes? I know I have.
WINNER: Gotta be Soft Cell. Gloria Jones’ version is cool, but Soft Cell made the song what it is, and Marilyn’s version doesn’t change that.
COMMENTS: Obviously this is the version most people over the age of 17 heard first, and the one that inspired other bands to cover the song (except, interestingly, for Blue Oyster Cult, who covered it a year before Soft Cell). And lit’s a great version, with Marc Almond’s emoting and Dave Ball’s beeping synth hook, without which Rihanna, let’s face it, would have no career. Oh, and the video is unabashedly camp.
COVER #2: Marilyn Manson
COMMENTS: To MM’s credit, he manages to incorporate his own sound into it quite well and take the “love gone wrong” theme to howling new levels of emotional pain. It’s a good effort, but what really makes it is the video, which has nothing to do with the song, but how many of us haven’t imagined crashing the popular kids’ party with a limousine full of bisexual Goth bikini babes? I know I have.
WINNER: Gotta be Soft Cell. Gloria Jones’ version is cool, but Soft Cell made the song what it is, and Marilyn’s version doesn’t change that.
Next week: Leonard Cohen fights John Cale and Jeff Buckley!
Take my tears and that’s not really all,
This is dF
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Oh, and though, it doesn't need mentioned, the Pussycat Dolls version is pretty awful.
I am going with Soft Cell, because it is definitive.
However, I will give a serious runner-up to Coil for doing a version that is just as unforgettable.
Hide yer razor blades!
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Manson's version doesn't add anything to the song...and Jones's version is off to me...can't put my finger on it...may be that she's singing it in too high a voice...IDK.
puff
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Manson's version doesn't add anything to the song...and Jones's version is off to me...can't put my finger on it...may be that she's singing it in too high a voice...IDK."
That was my conclusion before I even read the other comments.
To me, Gloria's voice is nice but the instrumental accompaniment is flat and emotionaless...the drums are just DUM DUM DUM DUM DUM too fast. Meh. Really meh. None of the synchronicity of vocal and instruments that make a song great. Did she have her own band or was that just whatever studio band was on duty that day?
MM - well, as far as that type of song re-do, and considering it's MM who I am not a fan of, it's actually not that bad. But as you say it's not an improvement.
I do think Soft Cell "got" what that song was meant to be and put the angst across best. *nods* Yup. There is a reason we always packed the dance floor when it came on, back in the day!
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I think the music is pretty typical of the Motown/Stax era in the mid 60s, where it's usually functional session guys backing the singer (though she recorded for Uptown Records, not Motown, though she worked there as a songwriter). Personally, I think it's pretty snappy, but like most people, for me the Soft Cell version is the default, and it really is the best version I've heard. At least so far. Maybe the Blue Oyster Cult version is better. Maybe one day I'll find out.
Anyway, thanks for participating.
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...good version though. Better than Manson's...probably equal to Jones's in my book.
puff
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The Coil version is interesting – from Northern Soul to funereal dirge in 6 and a half minutes.
no subject