Coudal had a contest recently in which they solicited suggestions for songs covered by really unlikely singers. One of mine, Richard Thompson covering Britney Spears, "Oops! ... I Did It Again," made it to the finals! You've got to watch this video; RT turns a goofy pop jingle into something bitterly searing and dripping with irony. I love it! (I also submitted another one that didn't make the cut: Johnny Cash covering Depeche Mode, "Your Own Personal Jesus." Wow.) I'll let you know if I win.
(P.S. Don't forget to enter my BAFAB contest!)
I liked Cash's version of Jesus. But then, I liked Marilyn Manson's version, too.
Posted by: scott | April 01, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Cash's version of "Hurt" (Nine Inch Nails) is wonderful.
Posted by: James | April 01, 2008 at 02:35 PM
That was remarkable. I especially love Thompson's little "dance party hand thing" at the end of the song.
Posted by: TwoBusy | April 01, 2008 at 03:15 PM
That Richard Thompson version comes from his "1000 Years of Popular Music" CD which is an absolute hoot! I almost plotzed when I heard "Oops..." the first time.
One of my favorite covers comes from the depths of the'80s - Aztec Camera covering "Jump" by Van Halen.
If anyone is really loves covers as much as I, check our Brian Ibbott's "Coverville" podcast. I can only imagine he's played Richard Thompson's inner Britney moment.
Posted by: Joel | April 01, 2008 at 08:57 PM
At first I thought this was your April Fool's joke. It was hard for me to process the fact that Richard Thompson had ever even heard Britney Spears sing anything; I imagined that he had people to shield him from that sort of rubbish. But his cover was absolutely perfect; the guitar work made it even more hilarious.
Posted by: Susan | April 02, 2008 at 10:26 PM