You can check last week’s episode’s shownotes for the controversy, but regardless, the Jeff Beck version of “Rollin’ & Tumblin'” beat the Eric Clapton version (entitled “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day”) 64% to 26%. I promise to improve my blues knowledge, if you promise to continue to keep me on my toes about great versions of songs like this. Excellent stuff.
We lost Box Tops and Big Star frontman Alex Chilton last week to a heart attack. And since I’ve done a Cover Story recently, I’ll dedicate this episode of Who Did It Better to Alex and his music. Let’s listen to two distinctive versions of the Big Star classic “Thirteen”, by Garbage (Amazon link) and Wilco (Amazon link).
Which one would get you tickets for the dance?
Listen to the podcast featuring both songs:
[audio: http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/backbeat.cachefly.net/coverville/audio/Coverville-WDIB-009-Thirteen.mp3]
Or Download
Saw a great performance of Thirteen during SXSW this year by a guy named Nakia. One of the most intimate showcases of the week. The day after Alex Chilton died. There's a video of the performance now on YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmC5fXTyTXA
This WDIB wasn't fair to Wilco, for me at least, as Garbage is my favorite band. Even after listening to the versions, still like the Garbage one better. But that's just my opinion.
I was thrilled to see this title when my iTunes uploaded this version of Coverville, but surprised to see neither of the contenders was my favorite covers of this great, great song: Evan Dando (Lemonheads) or Elliott Smith. Find the former on Live at The Brattle Theater and the latter on New Moon (and Lucky Three, the short film, which you can find on YouTube).
I enjoyed both version, would vote for the Garbage version if the polls weren't closed.
I missed voting, but it would've been tough to decide. I am probably 52% in favor of Wilco, 48% Garbage, but would definitely like to hear the Lemonheads & Elliott Smith versions before committing.