There is a great danger in the land. Even today foreigners are corrupting our beloved American songs!

Los Rockin’ Rebeldes “Danny Boy” (comp. Frederick Weatherly)
I hate “Danny Boy.” It’s maudlin and it’s guaranteed to suck the life out of any room in which it is sung. It should be banned from every karaoke machine on the planet.

That said, I kinda like this Spanish garage-rock version. It’s sort of fun.

Karel Gott “Rot und Schwarz (Paint It Black)” (Rolling Stones)
This one popped up recently at Germans Under Cover, a great source for all your German cover needs.

Karel Gott has made a very successful career out of being the German Tom Jones. He really puts his all into this tune. I imagine that somebody had to shoot him with a tranquilizer dart after he finished recording it.

The Cat Empire “Hotel California” (The Eagles)
This is from another Australian radio compilation called Like A Version. Different radio station, different morning show, apparently the same concept as Andrew Denton’s Musical Challenge.

It’s both more menacing and more joyful than the original version. And it’s got one wicked accordion solo.

Seu Jorge “Life on Mars?” (David Bowie)
One of many great David Bowie covers by Seu Jorge on the Life Aquatic soundtrack. Lots of people seem to love the soundtrack but hate the movie. I really like both. Bill Murray is criminally underappreciated.

Gipsy Kings “Hotel California” (The Eagles)
What is this strange fascination that foreigners have with the Eagles? I dunno but I’m glad that it resulted in this chipper flamenco version of the classic rock staple.