I am a big fan of the cover versions. There is a great art to reinterpreting a classic (or in some cases not so classic) song in an interesting way. Unfortunately today's pop industry is intent on churning out insipid karaoke versions of shite songs. There is no hint of any thought behind these 'covers' as they seem to be little more than a direct copy. However there are artists out there who take a song an really shake it up.
In an occasional series I want to post some of the best and most unusual. To start with is one of my very favourites. In 1988 N.W.A. released their seminal album "Straight Outta Compton". It is arguably one of the first 'Gangsta Rap' records with it's stories of guns, drive-bys and dodgy attitudes to woman. It is a fine album though and its title track is one of the true classics of hip-hop.
Nina Gordon is the lead singer of Veruca Salt an American grunge band whose most well known song is probably "Seether" which came from their debut album "American Thighs" in 1994. Gordon left Veruca Salt in 1998 and later recorded "Straight Outta Compton" in a style so far removed from the original that it completely reinvents the song.
Every person I have ever played this song to has been blown away. I reckon you will be too.
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3 comments:
Interesting! "Straight Outta Compton" has been a perennial favourite since its release, but lately I've tired of its dubiously furious message and the questionable merit of the whole Gangsta phenomenon. Certainly, Marion Knight is a spoiled thug who never wanted for material things or familial affection as a child, and threw away a Basketball scholarship to concentrate on pimping and fucking people over.
I don't think this version comes close to capping the ass out the original, but it does definitely reinvent it.
It's a great re-make/re-model
Nice one MB, I remember Veruca Salt well by the way.
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