When we’re talking about noteworthy covers, there’s usually some some distance in time between them (unless we’re talking about Motown, and then we’re just talking about Berry Gordy’s need to make money).  When an artist is rummaging around for something to do, he or she usually looks for an older hit or the obscure. But sometimes they find what they’re looking for right in front of them. Tonight’s cover involves a cover recorded not even a year after the massive hit that was the original.  And there’s not even the slightest hint, in my view, that the cover was a lazy ripoff. In fact, it’s transformative. Both end up being classics of their time, I think.
Original artist, in 1991:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPQR-OsH0RQ[/youtube]
Cover, in 1992:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcHNZVrxEts[/youtube]
Peej
I have to confess that, thanks to Weird Al, when I hear the original I still always think, at some point,”It’s hard to bargle nawdle zouss, with all these marbles in my mouth.” I amuse easily.
MB
I shake my head in your general direction.