This series looks at some of the better covers that came out during the years 1976-85 or songs that were originally released during that time period and subsequently covered. Boring, rote covers need not apply. Looking for artists that can take a song and add their own blend of spice. As the lovely Kate Pierson of The B-52's once said about the Talking Heads cover of "Take Me to the River": It's a rare thing that a band can do a cover song and make it their own. Simply put, they made Al Green's 'Take Me to the River' into a Talking Heads song." Seems as good a place to start as any:
| Released: October 1974 (Hi) Written by: Al Green & Mabon "Teenie" Hodges Produced by: Willie Mitchell Album: Al Green Explores Your Mind |
| U. S. Billboard Charts: | |
| Not released as a single |
| Released: August 1978 (Sire) Written by: Al Green & Mabon "Teenie" Hodges Produced by: Brian Eno & Talking Heads Album: More Songs about Buildings and Food |
| U. S. Billboard Charts: | |
| Hot 100 | 26 |
David Byrne calls this "a song that combines teenage lust with baptism. Not equates, you understand, but throws them in the same stew, at least. A potent blend."
First version heard by your humble blogger? None of the above. It was the Talking Heads' live version on Stop Making Sense (1984)
Rev. Green's Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis depicted on the picture sleeve of the Talking Heads' single? It's not exactly on the beaten path, but I found it in December 2011.
On that same trip to Memphis, I also visited Royal studios where this song was recorded
and I've seen Rev. Green perform the song live (wish I could say the same for Talking Heads [sad trombone sound]).
Great new feature!
ReplyDeleteHoping you can find more qualified covers to cover on Covering The Covers.
If you ever need any inspiration, check out the Coverville podcast, a personal favorite.