I was watching television, as I have a tendency to do, and I see a commercial for Wendy’s. Now, I happen to really like Wendy’s, as far as cheap fast food goes, they top my list. I have gotten many chili lunches from there. Anyhow, this commercial features a checkered tablecloth floating down the road. Granted, it doesn’t make much sense, but commercials seldom do. But it does this to ‘Magic Carpet Ride,’ one of my favorite songs. But who do I hear singing it? Not Steppenwolf, oh no, that would be to easy. I hear some girl (don’t know who, even Wendy’s website and the ‘TV Commercial Music’ forums don’t know) on an acoustic guitar singing it, and badly (in my opinion) for that matter. And, of course, emitting the lines ‘Close your eyes, girl, look inside, girl, let the sound take you away. (in my opinion, the coolest lines of the song)’
I ask this question: Why? Why do I continually see the songs I love being bastardized? Are classics not good enough? Do these songs absolutely NEED to be revamped for our modern age? Maybe I’m just being ornery, but its getting on my nerves. Other examples include:
‘Yesterday’ as “improved” by 50 Cent
‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Jewel
‘Dream On’ (renamed ‘Sing With Me’, I believe) by Eminem
Covers should capture the sound and meaning of the original song, while adding a unique flair that only the covering band can provide. It shouldn’t be reconstituted garbage. I think of Guns and Roses cover of ’Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ and Metallica’s cover of ‘Turn the Page,’ these are covers that fans of the original song can listen to and say “That’s a new take on the song.”
Ah well, I’m just blowing off steam, really.
Zel-kun out.
Kokami | 10-May-06 at 11:34 am | Permalink
“Here here!” I say. I’ve heard a few good covers, but I can’t really think of any at the moment. But, as far as “bad” covers go, there is one “group” you have to make an exception for. You can hate me for saying it, but I think it’s funny when The Chipmunks do a cover for a song. It’s just the high pitch voices I guess.
Now, the question begs to be asked, what about parodies? There are two sources of parodies that I really enjoy, Weird Al and Twisted Tunes. Of course, I’ve seen some funny ones on-line. Especially this on on Raistland.com called Companion Rhapsody. Do I really need to say what it’s a parody of?
Zel-kun | 10-May-06 at 12:16 pm | Permalink
Chipmunks? They are a pimple on the ass that is this world. Alas, I too watched them when I was a kid. And ultimately, due to hearing songs such as ‘Bad to the Bone’ is likely why I got into classic rock. But now that I have George Thorogood, I could live the rest of my life without ever hearing another Chipmunks cover.
As a sidenote, I attribute my hatred of the Chipmunks to ‘Christmas Don’t Be Late’ being on every mall and retail store’s Christmas soundtrack. Working a 10-hour shift, hearing that song every half-hour or so… NOT good for sanity.
Parody is the most sincere form of flattery. If done right, I should say. A good parody is something a fan of the original can look at and laugh A parody is in no way similar to a cover, by definition in any case. Though it can be confusing, since many covers make mockeries of the originals.
Sabrejack | 10-May-06 at 2:11 pm | Permalink
You can blame the marketing overlords for this. The Steppenwolf version probably didn’t hit the target age market they’re looking for. Also, covering the song rather than using the actual song is probably cheaper on royalties.
I hate advertising.
Kokami | 10-May-06 at 5:52 pm | Permalink
I wasn’t saying parodies are the same things as covers, though you gotta admit it is a sort of similar vein. But I hear ya on the “Christmas Don’t Be Late” thing. That’s probably the only song they did–are they even a they?–that irks me. Of course you gotta remember, I have two Chimpunks albums from back in the day. ^^;;;
David N. Scott | 11-May-06 at 1:28 pm | Permalink
Chipmunks the movie was cool. The Chipmunks Christmas song is ass. And, IMHO, so are most acoustic covers of heavy electronic or metal songs.