Early Wednesday Morning Dance Party: Cover Version

  Yeah, I know.  Wiser-youknowwho is going to run on & on & on with this topic.

 

I’m OK with that.

  The Pogues make great drinking music.  Dental care music?  Not so much.

 

  Mike Ness made his bones fronting Social Distortion, but his latest solo projects have featured quite a bit of country flavor.  That’s cool with me.  This is a good version of a Dylan classic.

 

 

  OK, liking Shatner’s singing seems just too hipster for me….but this song’s got two things going for it.  One, Shat’s having a blast.  You can hear it in his voice.  Two, Joe Freakin’ Jackson.  ‘Nuff said.  CUZ THERE’S NOTHING ELSE TO DO!

 

  I’m a little too old to be a big fan of My Chemical Romance (HEY YOU KIDS!  GET OFF MY LAWN!), but this is a good song.  Another Dylan cover.  Having others cover your songs & do a good job is a testament to your songwriting skills, IMHO.

 

What’s that you say?  This isn’t a cover?  Au contraire.  This song was originally recorded by Unicorn, an American band.  As Michael Caine would say….”Not many people know that”.**

 

If you don’t have  a copy of “The Pursuit of Happiness”, punch yourself in the nuts/ovaries.  Then, when the pain subsides, get yourself one ASAP.    A great American album.  Why?  Because I say it is.  RIP Country Dick Montana.  You’ve got to love a band that encourages their fans to spray beer on the band at the end of the set.

 

  Earlier, I mentioned how a good songwriter like Dylan can spawn good covers because of the quality of the original product.  THIS is an example of how a great musician can take a mediocre product and make it into something great.  Or, as they say in coaching “He can beat you with his, swap teams, and then beat you again with yours.”

 

  (I left out my usual entries from Local H, Johnny Cash, Me First & the Gimme Gimmes, Dread Zeppelin & most of the Beat Farmers cover catalog because I’ve told you those stories before.  Probably repeatedly.)

 

Happy Anniversary to the Sobeks, and enjoy the musical selections!

 

** Yes, I realize that Michael Caine has never actually said that phrase in a movie.  It’s a joke, son.  Just roll with it.