Last week’s battle, versions of Big Star’s “Thirteen” saw a much closer battle than we’ve seen in past weeks, with 46% picking the Wilco version, 38% picking the Garbage version, and 6% choosing “Other”. The big “Other” write-in was Elliot Smith, which I have to agree is a great version. That leaves about 10% giving the answer “Neither”. Spoilsports.
This week, we’re listening to two great versions of The Cure’s “The Lovecats”, one of their most popular songs to cover (just behind “In Between Days” and “Boys Don’t Cry”, I’d wager). First up is a new cover by most of the band Supergrass, a side project called Hotrats (
). Second, we have Tanya Donnelly and Dylan in the Movies with a slightly sultrier take ().
Which one always the right way round?
Listen to the podcast featuring both songs:
[audio: http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/backbeat.cachefly.net/coverville/audio/Coverville-WDIB-010-Lovecats.mp3]
Or Download
The Tanya & Dylan version is sort of half way between the original and the Tricky version, but I like Tricky better.
I'd give a slight nod toward the Tanya & Dylan version, but I think it's a hard song to cover well. So much of the genius is in Robert Smith's interpretation.
1. I love the Hotrats (and Supergrass)!!!! This is a rockin' sweet version!
2. Male voice sounds a little Tom Wait-ish! Nice bass line. Love the interplay of the vocalists. Also enjoy the kitty cat samples.
Both versions great, the Tanya & Dylan version is more interesting to me.
Both are decent versions and I would also throw in the versions by The Futureheads and Paul Anka. However, the original simply simply can't be bettered – one of the best records of the 80s!
I'll vote for Tanya Donnelly and Dylan in the Movies. I really liked the intro, and was let down when they abandoned some of the subtlety and got more upbeat.
The first version was just harder than the original and didn't add anything for me.