What’s new? I don’t especially care, I’m just glad to be done with 2009.
The Dollyrots “Brand New Key” (Melanie)
The original is silly and harmless. This version is tough and muscular, which is probably a good way to face the new year/decade.
Nouvelle Vague “Just Can’t Get Enough” (Depeche Mode)
The phrase “nouvelle vague” translates from the French as “new wave.”
New Clear Clouds “Half Breed” (Cher)
I never thought that Cher looked much like a Native American. I wondered if it was just a story made up by her manager. Turns out that her father was Armenian and her mother was of Cherokee, English and French descent. So she’s at best a quarter-breed, but that wouldn’t have been nearly as catchy a song title.
Bob Marley “What’s New Pussycat?” (Tom Jones)
Bob sounds so young and fresh-faced! He really can’t pull off the swaggering lecherousness of Tom Jones, but then again neither can I.
New Buffalo “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (Nina Simone)
New Buffalo is Australian musician Sally Seltmann, who wrote the song “1234” for Feist. So you can blame her for all those iPod commercials. Here she delivers a sad, quiet version of the Animals classic rock staple.
Just to let you know – “Just Can’t Get Enough” is a Depeche Mode song, not New Order.
I hate when I do that. Thanks for the heads-up.
I love this set of songs. … btw, wasn’t the Animals’ version of “Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” also a cover? Maybe Nina Simone?
Cool stuff. Keep up the work.
Yes it was written for Nina Simone.
I heard a version last week by Via Tania which was also really beautiful and had a completely different melody. Worth posting that on there also me think.
Boy, I blew two out of five to start the year. I hate when I do that. I appreciate the correction. Remember, if I took the time to research all this stuff it would stop being a hobby and start being a job.
Listen to the WURZELS’ version of Brand New Key called “Combine Harvester” – ooh arr! English West Country farmer boys!!!!