The Flaming Lips – Gates of Steel
Two bands I enjoy very much. Twists the quirky/nervous energy of the Devo tune into a marching/plodding freakout driven by a military snare (alternating with toms) & staccato guitar. Success!
UB40
With all of the reggae gems from various artists covered by UB40 on Labour of Love (I considered a few while coming up with my selections), I forgot that this one, the hit, was a Neil Diamond song. I usually associate covers of his stuff with The Monkees. Certainly reminds me of hanging out during my days in State College – I segued into, or maybe from, Los Lobos’ “I Got Loaded” on my mixtape that got a ton of use at our apartment parties. Still makes me want to bob my head along with a beer in hand – not “Old Mildew” these days though.
“Gates of Steel” . Flaming LIps. Don’t know the original. This version is an interesting experiment, with that anxious palm-muted and overdriven guitar riff scratching away relentlessly, and a vocal that’s more like an invocation than song.
“Red Red Wine.” I had no idea this was a Neil Diamond song. I have always enjoyed the harmonies in this version. A deserving hit for the lads.
FL – Very interesting. Again, never heard either of these versions. A little anxiety ridden for the early morning listen but not unlikable.
UB40 – Didn’t know this was Neil Diamond, and I have heard a lot of it. (My mom played his stuff all the time). Not a big fan of this song, mainly because it was played so much. Good job on the cover though, I think I like it better than the original
The Flaming Lips – Gates of Steel (Devo Cover): Incessant muted guitar strum, the cool minimalist bridge, the slightly off kilter voice, all kept me slightly off balanced and wondering……sufficiently strange………I Loved it….very original sounding cover
Red, Red, Wine: where is the….
Monkey pack him rizla pon the sweet dep line
The line broke, the monkey get choke
Burn bad ganja pon him little rowing boat
Apparently the MyFive staff, in finding a non-video version of RRW, posted a version without a critical segment. We apologise for the fault on the site. Those responsible have been sacked.
FLips – Making a strong Devo track their own, The Lips push out a grinding durge for the ages. Stressing the continuing struggle to overcome, there is still something anthemic and joyous in the tune.
UB40 – Dug this record when it came out. The album lived on my turntable for a while for all the nifty covers songs. Saw Neil Diamond do it live, and while good, I’ll take the UB40 version.
Flaming Lips – I like it. Not real familiar with them, but i was digging the guitar riffs that were real subtle behind the sound of the main muted guitar. Then the vocals kicked in and I totally wasn’t expecting them to be like that. Reminded me of Bowie.
UB40 – Didn’t realize that this cheese gem was a cover. Fun song, a little overly popular for this crowd =p
The Flaming Lips – Gates of Steel
Two bands I enjoy very much. Twists the quirky/nervous energy of the Devo tune into a marching/plodding freakout driven by a military snare (alternating with toms) & staccato guitar. Success!
UB40
With all of the reggae gems from various artists covered by UB40 on Labour of Love (I considered a few while coming up with my selections), I forgot that this one, the hit, was a Neil Diamond song. I usually associate covers of his stuff with The Monkees. Certainly reminds me of hanging out during my days in State College – I segued into, or maybe from, Los Lobos’ “I Got Loaded” on my mixtape that got a ton of use at our apartment parties. Still makes me want to bob my head along with a beer in hand – not “Old Mildew” these days though.
“Gates of Steel” . Flaming LIps. Don’t know the original. This version is an interesting experiment, with that anxious palm-muted and overdriven guitar riff scratching away relentlessly, and a vocal that’s more like an invocation than song.
“Red Red Wine.” I had no idea this was a Neil Diamond song. I have always enjoyed the harmonies in this version. A deserving hit for the lads.
FL – Very interesting. Again, never heard either of these versions. A little anxiety ridden for the early morning listen but not unlikable.
UB40 – Didn’t know this was Neil Diamond, and I have heard a lot of it. (My mom played his stuff all the time). Not a big fan of this song, mainly because it was played so much. Good job on the cover though, I think I like it better than the original
The Flaming Lips – Gates of Steel (Devo Cover): Incessant muted guitar strum, the cool minimalist bridge, the slightly off kilter voice, all kept me slightly off balanced and wondering……sufficiently strange………I Loved it….very original sounding cover
Red, Red, Wine: where is the….
Monkey pack him rizla pon the sweet dep line
The line broke, the monkey get choke
Burn bad ganja pon him little rowing boat
Apparently the MyFive staff, in finding a non-video version of RRW, posted a version without a critical segment. We apologise for the fault on the site. Those responsible have been sacked.
FLips – Making a strong Devo track their own, The Lips push out a grinding durge for the ages. Stressing the continuing struggle to overcome, there is still something anthemic and joyous in the tune.
UB40 – Dug this record when it came out. The album lived on my turntable for a while for all the nifty covers songs. Saw Neil Diamond do it live, and while good, I’ll take the UB40 version.
Flaming Lips – I like it. Not real familiar with them, but i was digging the guitar riffs that were real subtle behind the sound of the main muted guitar. Then the vocals kicked in and I totally wasn’t expecting them to be like that. Reminded me of Bowie.
UB40 – Didn’t realize that this cheese gem was a cover. Fun song, a little overly popular for this crowd =p