[Round 2: Cover Four – Week 3]
“Bird on a Wire”by Nicole Atkins
Original Artist: Leonard Cohen
“Banana Splits Theme”by The Dickies
Original Artist: The Banana Splits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=https://youtu.be/lK-_KlWqmjU
“Satisfaction”by Devo
Original Artist: The Rolling Stones
Nicole Atkins / “bird on a wire.” Funny, I just saw NA play live here in Pittsburgh. She was exceptional — a strong lovely voice — as she is here singing a classic by the redoubtable Mr. Cohen. Obviously she adds a lot vocally beyond what Lenny can muster, but it’s all wonderfully in service of the tune.
Banana Splits Theme / Dickies. Someone else will no doubt point out that the original bears a curious melodic resemblance to the refrain of the Bob Marley classic “Buffalo Soldier.” This is less true here, mostly due to the high velocity. But it’s still a catchy li’l tune, given an additional bit of hydrogen propulsion by the sped-up backing chorus. What’s not to like?
“Satisfaction” / Devo. Art-punk deconstruction of the Stones chestnut (which original, I’ve seen it convincingly argued, marks the start of what we know call “classic rock”). I used to not “get” Devo’s version. But I havent’ heard it in a while, and now I get it. A thoroughgoing reinvention for the then-new age.
Nicole Atkins – Bird on a Wire
Loving, earnest version adorned nicely with piano droplets. Her voice is strong, but she employs vibrato just a little too much for my taste – a minor gripe on a good version.
The Dickies – Banana Splits Theme
Been a Dickies fan since I can remember – their 1st two records, “The Incredible Shrinking…” & “Dawn of the…” are fast, fun treasures. We could have had another Sabbath cover as they do Paranoid and, if I included one of their covers, I would have probably gone with Nights in White Satin (Bill, you may be able to get through their speedy version). They also have some witty, frenetic originals (e.g. “You Drive Me Ape, You Big Gorilla”, “(I’m Stuck in a Pagoda with) Tricia Toyota” and their ode to the Pep Boys, “Manny, Moe and Jack”). Banana nana nana, tra la love it.
Devo – Satisfaction
No band has probably caused me more chiding for my incessant promotion & undying support during my formative years. This is, perhaps, the quintessential cover – they took an iconic song and completely deconstructed it, turned it on its ear and completely confused the mainstream listener. It is dissonant, jaunty and completely satisfying.
Due to time constraints, I am forced to respond via haiku this week.
Bird on a wire-
Didn’t find Atkins
Whose gentle voice was pleasant
Worthy of the words.
Devo-
No ballsier move
Cover the Stones with keyboards?
Pure sublimity.
NEXT WEEK- The dreaded Rilkean Sonnet!
Hat Trick
Nicole Atkins – “Bird on a Wire” (Leonard Cohen cover): I like Mr. Cohen and I like this song
Devo – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction: I actually picked this in my initial top five and it slipped out at the last minute. I had a suspicion I might see it as one of the picks. Devo all the way…baby
The Dickies – Banana Splits: Just a fun tune. Thumbs up
NA – To follow Alan, voice not right for the song. Somewhat pleasant, but lacking gravitas.
Dickies – Yes! Simply, Yes!
Devo – Maybe the best cover ever. Reconstructing a classic for the future, now!