Haven't you always wanted a monkey?

[venta]

It's Friday, and it's about 3 o'clock. It's time to go underneath the covers (with the lights out).

I always recommend listening to a cover version without knowing what or who it is, so click on the link before reading ahead...

Link to cover version expired

That was Guano Apes covering Big in Japan, originally by Alphaville.

That's one of my favourite covers, that is. It's a text book lesson in how to take a rather wet and undistinguished bit of 80s Euro-nonsense and transform it into a big, noisy song. Whatever else you think about it, this version's got way more balls than the original.

Or I think it has.

As many of you know, I'm not a big fan of pirated music. Whenever I post an mp3, I'm usually encouraging people to go out and buy a CD off the back of it. Sometimes people do, and that makes me happy.

Which leaves me in a quandrary. As far as I'm aware, everything else Guano Apes have done is total toss and not worth bothering with. I'd be very happy to be educated if anyone thinks they can produce any evidence to the contrary.

So, if you see a copy of Don't Give Me Names at a price you'd consider reasonable to pay for this cover alone, go for it. Otherwise, don't.

Comments

[phlebas.livejournal.com]

Oh dear. I'm afraid I prefer the original!

[venta.livejournal.com]

Well, you're normally quite a sensible chap so I'll permit you to hold a differing opinion :)

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Me too -- maybe mostly for nostalgic reasons, but also I really think this cover is quite dire ;-)

[verlaine.livejournal.com]

The original is certainly of its time... but I agree too, the cover just makes it, not necessarily unpleasant, but a lot more anonymous.

[ulfilias.livejournal.com]

Like both....Had heard it before though.

£2.46 on Amazon secondhand, plus postage. Not bad really ! Also on the Best of for a £5+postage which may have some other interesting stuff