BAD COVER VERSION 017: IT BURNS, BURNS, BURNS

[defrog]

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”.

COVER #1: Social Distortion

COMMENTS: Mike Ness used to intro this song at shows explaining that country and punk were both music for the working class. Whether that’s true or not, Social Distortion give the song their edgy punk energy that amplifies the idea that the flames in the song are hellfire. It’s also the most successful cover version of the song. Awesome.

COVER #2: Blondie

COMMENTS: Ten years before Social Distortion did it, Blondie recorded this version for the 1980 film Roadie (which is what Meat Loaf is doing there). It’s got spirit, and they have fun with it, and in fact take a lot of the gravitas out of it, so in that sense it’s more true to the original pre-Cash version. And it’s Blondie, so points for that and the Meat Loaf interruptions.

WINNER: This is a tough call, but I have to give this one to Johnny Cash. The Blondie version is fun but novelty, and while the Social Distortion version whips a cougar's ass, Cash's is the most doom-laden. And did I mention the mariachi horns?

Next week: Heavy metal pioneers vs Swedish lounge pop!

The fire went wild,

This is dF

Comments

[bedsitter23.livejournal.com]

While I don't think you can beat the original, I am going to throw this one in the mix for sheer originality.

[def-fr0g-42.livejournal.com]

Funnily enough, I didn't bother to look up this version because I didn't think there would be a YouToob entry for it. Well done. And yes, points for originality. Doesn't change my ruling, though.

[jasonfranks.livejournal.com]

One of the only two songs I will attempt on Singstar... almost everything else requires some sort of ridiculous tenor.

And yes, it's the mariachi horns that make the song.

Fell into a burning ring of fire,

-- JF

[def-fr0g-42.livejournal.com]

And the other song is?

[jasonfranks.livejournal.com]

Let me try that again, logged in as myself...

The Nick Cave song, 'Where the Wild Roses Grow'.

-- JF