BAD COVER VERSION 009: SEE HOW DEEP THE BULLET LIES

[defrog]

Clive Davis recently said that singers should leave songwriting to the professionals. He may or may not have been including people like Kate Bush, who was the first woman ever to top the UK charts with a self-written song. That was in 1978. It would be the mid-80s before she recorded anything that would make America pay attention. By no coincidence, this week’s song is arguably the best thing she’s ever written.

THE SONG: “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”

THE ORIGINAL: Kate Bush

COMMENTS: In some ways Bush’s version is very much a product of the 80s, but it’s also daringly experimental for a pop song, and probably one of the best love songs ever.

THE COVER: Placebo

COMMENTS: I have to say, this version really knocks me out. Placebo effectively brings out the dark side of the song, and where Bush sounds passionate in her desire to switch places with her lover, Brian Molko sounds emotionally drained, as if this is his last chance to patch things up before it’s too late. Hypnotic and devastating.

WINNER: This is a tough one, but I’m giving it to Kate Bush by a nose. It’s still her song, though she’s officially endorsed Placebo’s version. Plus, she’s the one who had to endure a lot of resistance to get the song out at all (her label made her change the original title, “A Deal With God” to avoid being banned from US, French, Irish and Italian radio, and MTV refused to play the video because she didn’t lip-synch the voice), so she’s more than earned it.

Next week: Status Quo vs Camper Van Beethoven!

Thunder in our hearts,

This is dF

Comments

[thelastaerie.livejournal.com]

Kate's version for me. That song and the album "Hounds of Love" was quite ahead of its time when it was released. The Placebo version isn't so bad either. But you know, Kate is like Freddie, her voice is unique.

[def-fr0g-42.livejournal.com]

Agreed. And welcome back – sorry we couldn't hook up when you were in town.