Secretly or not so secretly, I think everyone loves a good cover band. They are a staple of local bars and are just generally fun. But when it comes to popular bands covering the music of other famous musicians, fans are divided. This Top Five is dedicated to covers I think are worth listening to.
I approached this one with some ground rules. Anything that falls more under the category of sampling - taking parts of a popular song then adding your own material - didn't make the list for what I hope are obvious reasons. Also, a decade or so ago, it was pretty common for a song to be done by both a country and a pop artist at roughly the same time. I didn’t include those songs. Mainly because how do you determine who is truly the originally artist? Especially, when so often neither artist wrote the song. So, I nixed all of those. I tried to keep my selections to big deal bands covering other big deal bands. At least big deal at some point. For the most part, the covering bands style is significantly different than the original artist. To me that is part of what makes a good cover. It's not enough to just play the song well, I wanted the covering band to add something to the original song. Otherwise, why cover the song if it's already been done?
Seether covering "Careless Whispers" by Wham!
This one makes it because of the humor factor. I don’t think there are two artists on the list further apart than Seether and Wham. Well maybe one other selection, we'll get to that one later. While many covers are a bit of a surprise, on some level, most make sense. Either the original artist is influential in their genre of music or they are an obvious inspiration to the covering band. I don't think either is really the case here. Wham managed to rise above the "one hit wonder" status that plagued 80's music, but I wouldn't call them particularly influential. The unpredictability of this cover makes it unique. But beyond that, it's a well done cover. Seether adds a hard edge to the song but manages to remain respectful to the original version. It's not as sad and sappy as the Wham version but Seether conveys the emotion of the song, the finality of the moment being sung about. With this one, you start out laughing but by the end you're into it.
Smashing Pumpkins covering "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
This will almost certainly be an unpopular choice. Lots of people don't like Billy Corgan's voice paired with this song. To me that is what makes it such a great cover. The Smashing Pumpkins take a classic song and make it there own. This song also introduced a generation of kids to Fleetwood Mac. While there are always exceptions of course, most 90's teenagers wouldn't have known a thing about Fleetwood Mac without this cover. I think that is the real importance of this particular cover and many covers in general, they introduce a new artist or genre of music to people who wouldn't have otherwise gone looking for it.
Alien Ant Farm covering "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson
In my opinion, it takes a serious set of stones to cover The King Of Pop. Regardless of how you feel about him personally, Michael Jackson is about as musical legend as it gets. He's perhaps bested only by Elvis Presley and The Beatles. That's some serious clout. So when anyone decides to cover The King Of Pop, it better be damn good. Alien Ant Farm deserves a listen because they not only had the guts to cover Michael Jackson, they made him punk and actually did a pretty good job at it. They managed to make the song appealing to their core fan base without changing the essence of the song. Hardcore Michael Jackson fans probably hate it, but I would wager they'd hate nearly any cover.
Tina Turner covering "Proud Mary" by Credence Clearwater Revival
In all honesty, does this song need to be justified as a Top Five Cover? No but as that is the format, I'll do it anyway. It doesn't happen often but Tina Turner's version of "Proud Mary" is an entity all it's own. There are people out there who wouldn't believe you if you told them she isn't the original artist on this song. That alone should make it a pretty outstanding cover. It's hard to even compare the two versions. Like all her songs Tina Turner adds an intangible quality to this song. Perhaps it's her life story and what she's overcome. Perhaps it's that she just oozes talent. Whatever it is, she brings it to everything she performs. It's hard to say if Turner's version of this song eclipsed the original but it's certainly possible.
Disturbed covering "Land Of Confusion" by Genesis
The Genesis version rocked pretty hard, but Disturbed takes it to a whole new level. Not better or worse but definitely different. David Draiman's voice adds an anger and a rawness that Phil Collins doesn't have. Despite that anger, Draiman manages to keep the underlying hope for a different future of the song. The song seems even more poignant now than it did in the late 80's. "Land Of Confusion" also fits remarkably well with the rest of the songs on Ten Thousand Fists. The whole album has a "What the hell is going on here and how to do we fix it?" attitude. But to my knowledge there is no video of the Disturbed version featuring hilarious caricature puppets of current political leaders. So, Genesis wins the video round hands down.
In retrospect, this was actually a tougher Top Five than I'd originally imagined. It turns out there are a lot of great covers out there, and I'm sure I missed a ton of good ones. Below are a few that just barely didn't make the cut and feel free to leave your favorite in the comments section!
Songs that just barely didn't make the cut:
Mary J. Blige covers "One" by U2
Brain Vander Ark covers "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" by The Beatles
Metallica covers "Turn The Page" by Bob Seger
Nirvana covers "The Man Who Sold The World" by David Bowie
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Top Five "Mom-isms" That Turned Out To Be True
Be honest. At some point between the age of five and twenty you thought to yourself "Whatever, Mom. You're full of crap!" For those of you who were stupid enough - or brave enough depending on your perspective - to actually say it out loud, I hope the cuff upside the head you received doesn't still sting. But we all at least thought it. Now, years later, I've realized - for the most part - Mom was right and I was a bratty teenager. So, in honor of Mother's Day, here's my Top Five "Mom-isms" That Turned Out To Be True!
"Keep it up and your face will freeze that way!"
While this one isn't literally true, it does hold a nugget of truth in it. Ever notice how people who scowl a lot seem like their face is frozen that way? These same people seem to be upset all the time. The opposite holds true for people who smile a lot. So, to sum up frozen scowl = perpetually angry and constant smile = perpetually happy. Coincidence? Maybe, but what have you really got to lose by trying to freeze your face in a smile?
"They put their pants on one leg at a time just like you."
To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, "Would it really be that amazing if someone could put their pants on both legs at a time?" The day you discover you have this ability is not going to be the day that Stan Lee shows up at your door to remind you that "With great power comes great responsibility." But Mom's point is valid. Where it counts, we're all equal and deserve to be treated as such. And like all of Mom's best lessons this teaches two things at once. It was Mom's way of reminding you that you are special but don't get a big head about it.
"Deal with it."
This one comes in many forms depending on the mom and the situation. Other's like this include "Because I said so," "It is what it is," and a personal favorite, "Cowboy Up." The philosophical gist of this one is: in life there are things you can control and things outside of your control, whatever comes at you, you just have to handle it. Take responsibility for your own actions and don’t sweat the things you can't control. A cruder version of this one - "Shit Happens."
"If everybody jumped off a bridge would you do that too?"
Hands down on this one, Mom was right. Doing something because a bunch of other people do it is perhaps the stupidest reason to do something. It is also an inadequate and ridiculous defense for doing something that you shouldn't have. Nobody sounds more like a whiny five-year-old than when they say "But everybody does it!"
"You'll thank me later!"
I can't even begin to count the things my mom either made me do or wouldn't let me do that I thought were stupid at the time. I don't know if she always said "You'll thank me later," but it was always sort of implied. I would estimate 99.9% of the time, mom was right, I did thank her later. At least, I should thank her. Even if I've never said the words, I think she knows. On behalf of all former bratty teenagers: thanks to Moms every where for their time honored wisdom! Sorry it took us so long to listen to you.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!
"Keep it up and your face will freeze that way!"
While this one isn't literally true, it does hold a nugget of truth in it. Ever notice how people who scowl a lot seem like their face is frozen that way? These same people seem to be upset all the time. The opposite holds true for people who smile a lot. So, to sum up frozen scowl = perpetually angry and constant smile = perpetually happy. Coincidence? Maybe, but what have you really got to lose by trying to freeze your face in a smile?
"They put their pants on one leg at a time just like you."
To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, "Would it really be that amazing if someone could put their pants on both legs at a time?" The day you discover you have this ability is not going to be the day that Stan Lee shows up at your door to remind you that "With great power comes great responsibility." But Mom's point is valid. Where it counts, we're all equal and deserve to be treated as such. And like all of Mom's best lessons this teaches two things at once. It was Mom's way of reminding you that you are special but don't get a big head about it.
"Deal with it."
This one comes in many forms depending on the mom and the situation. Other's like this include "Because I said so," "It is what it is," and a personal favorite, "Cowboy Up." The philosophical gist of this one is: in life there are things you can control and things outside of your control, whatever comes at you, you just have to handle it. Take responsibility for your own actions and don’t sweat the things you can't control. A cruder version of this one - "Shit Happens."
"If everybody jumped off a bridge would you do that too?"
Hands down on this one, Mom was right. Doing something because a bunch of other people do it is perhaps the stupidest reason to do something. It is also an inadequate and ridiculous defense for doing something that you shouldn't have. Nobody sounds more like a whiny five-year-old than when they say "But everybody does it!"
"You'll thank me later!"
I can't even begin to count the things my mom either made me do or wouldn't let me do that I thought were stupid at the time. I don't know if she always said "You'll thank me later," but it was always sort of implied. I would estimate 99.9% of the time, mom was right, I did thank her later. At least, I should thank her. Even if I've never said the words, I think she knows. On behalf of all former bratty teenagers: thanks to Moms every where for their time honored wisdom! Sorry it took us so long to listen to you.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Top Five Reasons I'm Doing This
I thought it would be appropriate if the first Top Five had something to do with the blog itself. My first thought was the Top Five Reasons You Should Read This Blog. But I couldn't come up with any. It would have been short, as in "Don't read this, I'm probably wasting your time." Probably not the best way to start this blog off.
That made me ask the fairly uncomfortable question: then why am I doing this? Clearly, that had to be my topic.
I Need To Be "On The Hook"
To say that I like to write is a bit of an understatement. The problem is it's so easy to shuffle it to the bottom of my To Do List. It's easy to say "I'll get to it some day." Then I get sucked into what I like to call the White Queen Paradox. "Jam tomorrow, Jam yesterday, but never, ever jam today." As Alice pointed out, eventually it has to be today. Eventually, I have to make time to write. What better way than to be on the hook to produce something? My hope is that one of the three people who will read this will enjoy it enough to give me a verbal kick in the pants if it's been too long since I've posted something.
I Have A Lot of Thoughts, But Not Many Of Them Are Important
Anyone who knows me, knows I like to talk. I have lots of thoughts on lots of stuff and I will tell you ALL about them. Sometimes whether you want to hear them or not. I'm under no illusion that any of what I think is important or that anyone would actually care. That knowledge is not going to stop me though, to my husband's great dismay. This will ultimately make life easier for those close to me because I'll hopefully get at least some of my need to express my thoughts out of my system. I think my friends and family will appreciate the ability to decide if they want to know my thoughts.
It's Good Practice
As I said I like to write and as far as I know to become a better writer you have actually write. So, since no one is reading this anyway, I'll be using it to practice writing. I will accept critiques but don't be offended if I don't take every suggestion sent my way.
I Like the Concept
The Top Five Concept really speaks to me. Hopefully, being limited in that way will help me be more concise in my writing. I ramble and repeat myself. It's something I'm working on.
I Need Something of My Own
As I was writing this, I got stuck on the last one and I got up to make coffee. I was going to make the last reason "It's a good excuse to drink more coffee, " because there are very few indulgences I love more than coffee. As I was making the coffee and trying to formulate this last reason, the dog rang the bell next to the door and wanted to go outside. I patiently walked the dog around the pear tree and waited for her to decide on just the right spot of grass. When we got in the house the baby needed a bottle. My pot of coffee sat forgotten for thirty minutes. As I finally poured myself a cup, I realized the truest and most personal reason for doing this. No matter how much I love my family, I need something that is mine. I truely love taking care of my husband and daughter and our often ridiculous pets. But sometimes, I need that thing that is just for me. Something I do for my own reasons and that really only I'm going to benefit from it. I guess this is it.
That made me ask the fairly uncomfortable question: then why am I doing this? Clearly, that had to be my topic.
I Need To Be "On The Hook"
To say that I like to write is a bit of an understatement. The problem is it's so easy to shuffle it to the bottom of my To Do List. It's easy to say "I'll get to it some day." Then I get sucked into what I like to call the White Queen Paradox. "Jam tomorrow, Jam yesterday, but never, ever jam today." As Alice pointed out, eventually it has to be today. Eventually, I have to make time to write. What better way than to be on the hook to produce something? My hope is that one of the three people who will read this will enjoy it enough to give me a verbal kick in the pants if it's been too long since I've posted something.
I Have A Lot of Thoughts, But Not Many Of Them Are Important
Anyone who knows me, knows I like to talk. I have lots of thoughts on lots of stuff and I will tell you ALL about them. Sometimes whether you want to hear them or not. I'm under no illusion that any of what I think is important or that anyone would actually care. That knowledge is not going to stop me though, to my husband's great dismay. This will ultimately make life easier for those close to me because I'll hopefully get at least some of my need to express my thoughts out of my system. I think my friends and family will appreciate the ability to decide if they want to know my thoughts.
It's Good Practice
As I said I like to write and as far as I know to become a better writer you have actually write. So, since no one is reading this anyway, I'll be using it to practice writing. I will accept critiques but don't be offended if I don't take every suggestion sent my way.
I Like the Concept
The Top Five Concept really speaks to me. Hopefully, being limited in that way will help me be more concise in my writing. I ramble and repeat myself. It's something I'm working on.
I Need Something of My Own
As I was writing this, I got stuck on the last one and I got up to make coffee. I was going to make the last reason "It's a good excuse to drink more coffee, " because there are very few indulgences I love more than coffee. As I was making the coffee and trying to formulate this last reason, the dog rang the bell next to the door and wanted to go outside. I patiently walked the dog around the pear tree and waited for her to decide on just the right spot of grass. When we got in the house the baby needed a bottle. My pot of coffee sat forgotten for thirty minutes. As I finally poured myself a cup, I realized the truest and most personal reason for doing this. No matter how much I love my family, I need something that is mine. I truely love taking care of my husband and daughter and our often ridiculous pets. But sometimes, I need that thing that is just for me. Something I do for my own reasons and that really only I'm going to benefit from it. I guess this is it.
Cover Page
Several years ago while working in Chicago, my husband was introduced to someone who categorized everything based on if it was "in his Top Five" or not. I never met this guy but the idea of having a Top Five for everything stuck with me. It seems most of them were trivial things - favorite beers, best pubs in Chicago - but my husband only met him a handful of times, so it's possible he had a deeper life philosophy revolving around his Top Five.
Anyway, that's where this idea came from. I like Top Fives. They are concise, easy to remember and unless you put them on a card and laminate them, easy to change. And Top Fives are good for deep, philosophical junk as well as trivial stuff. So, my goal is to have a variety of Top Fives of all kinds of topics. Hopefully, I can make you laugh. Maybe I'll make you think. Feel free to share any thoughts you have on a particular topic, but remember to be respectful.
I don't know who's going to read this to be perfectly honest. But whoever you are I hope you enjoy it.
Anyway, that's where this idea came from. I like Top Fives. They are concise, easy to remember and unless you put them on a card and laminate them, easy to change. And Top Fives are good for deep, philosophical junk as well as trivial stuff. So, my goal is to have a variety of Top Fives of all kinds of topics. Hopefully, I can make you laugh. Maybe I'll make you think. Feel free to share any thoughts you have on a particular topic, but remember to be respectful.
I don't know who's going to read this to be perfectly honest. But whoever you are I hope you enjoy it.
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