When people find out that I love murder ballads they inevitably comment on how nervous that must make my wife. She doesn’t seem too concerned, mostly she just rolls her eyes at me. What most folks don’t know is that one of Mrs. Freak’s favorite songs is that classic ode to unhealthy obsession, “Creep.” And I’m a little worried about that.
As you’re reading this my family is enjoying a short vacation in Florida that Mrs. Freak won from a radio station. Since she was nice enough to invite me along instead of some random cabana boy, I figured the least I could do would be to feature one of her favorite songs on this week’s post.
The Recliners “Creep” (Radiohead)
These guys specialize in lounge covers of rock songs. They’re every bit as funny as Richard Cheese without having to try quite as hard. The vibes are understated and tasteful.
The Senti-Mentals “Creep” (Radiohead)
This big sweeping version sounds like something from the TV show Glee.
Celtika “Creep” (Radiohead)
If I didn’t know better I’d think that this was Iron Maiden. But it’s just a Venezuelan metal band.
Echostream “Creep” (Radiohead)
There’s something about this song that I find unsettling. The singer really brings out the self-loathing that the song is built upon.
Pearl Jam “Creep” (Radiohead)
I understand that sometimes bands play songs live that they like but might not know all the words to. It’s one of the great things about going to hear live music. But nobody on this recording seems to have any clue about the lyrics and they don’t seem to care either. Still it’s interesting to listen to.
This song is tagged as being by Pearl Jam but I wonder if it was recorded at an Eddie Vedder solo show. I don’t know Pearl Jam well enough to know for sure.
I haven’t listened to your Pearl Jam Creep, but most likely its the Eddie Vedder version from his Birdman sessions.
You can find out more in this article: http://www.chrisblackburn.com/musings/000013.php.
Great choice of song this week.
As I was listening, I wondered if any versions were done by women; then heard Echostream and totally love it! You always think of men being the weirdos and creeps.
I was just on Puritan Blister and he had a mash-up of this song with “Suspicious Minds”. It was weird but I kinda liked it. So if these 5 versions weren’t enough for you, go check it out!
One of my favourite songs, thank you for all of them.
My favourite version of this song I don’t have on MP3, but the comedian Bill Bailey ended his most recent tour (or the London show I went to) with a huge rendition with traditional Indian band and electric guitar, which was beautiful.
Other covers that are good:
Karen Souza with a delicious silky smooth jazz version.
Richard Cheese taking the piss from it in abundance (You’re so very special // Waiter? Could I get the special?)
Twang do it in country style
And of course, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1K8t3BtNaw
… Should have searched Youtube:
Bill Bailey, Creep: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iad-A7-yxys (I’m pretty sure that’s the performance I was there for too)
I’m with Sue. Gotta love the ladies singing “Creep.” And thanks for thinking of me with someone other than a murder ballad.
i have to recommend Anni Rossi’s version. A female version, just her and her cello.
‘Nuf said, no?
That sounds great, CD. I’ll have to try and track that one down. Thanks for the suggestion.
Aquarion, I like the Karen Souza version and have posted it in the past. I also find the Richard Cheese version highly amusing. I’ll have to check out the Twang version.
Brandi Carlile performed a good live version a few years back at the All About The Music Fest.
Timo Raisanen also covered Creep.
Thanks for the heads-up on Timo Raisanen. I’ll try to track that one down.