Get ready to rock some democracy: we're almost to the Round of 128
Janos jumped the gun on announcing the start of the Round of 128: we still have to narrow down 10 more songs to 5 in order to have our initial set. The Grooveshark link is here, except the Adele song and the Leslie King song. Since I’m getting this up kind of late and there are an extra 2 songs, I’m extending the voting time: submit votes in the comments by 8:00pm Pacific Time (that’s 11:00pm Eastern) on Tuesday, October 4.
Guillermo gave me the go-ahead to pair these up however I saw fit, which was surprisingly difficult. I tried for match-ups that made sense genre or artist-wise, while also trying not to choose too many songs that represent a given nominator’s solo pick. With that being said, I favored genre-matching, since everyone had a fair shot at getting 3 songs into the tournament.
It’s perhaps not surprising that more than a few covers of Bruce Springsteen songs were submitted, so our first match up features Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward‘s version of “Atlantic City” facing off against John Mayer‘s version of “I’m on Fire” in a Boss-off.
Next up, voters are forced to consider the question, “Just who is Eddie Veddar without Pearl Jam?” Pearl Jam, in a rendition that no joke made me weepy in high school despite really not caring for Pearl Jam, covers “Last Kiss,” Wayne Cochran’s tale of teenage car-crash woe. Eddie Vedder on his own covers the Beatles’ “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.” Clearly, Eddie has a type, but which one will the voters prefer?
Lady Gaga and Brittany Spears: Together at last
Our next pairing features songs by two pop megastars from the top of their game. People love to cover these ladies, and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” performed here by folk singer Lissie, is a hot choice right now–I’ve seen performers as diverse as the high school marching band in the Lander, Wyoming 4th of July Parade to the violinist busking at my local farmer’s market play it. Ten years ago, one could say something similiar for Brittany Spear’s “Hit Me Baby (One More Time),” covered here by 90s rock band Fountains of Wayne. I know I was particularly fond of the Scottish outfit Travis’s version when I was in high school.
Give me your votes
In a match-up between two songs that always sound to me like they belong in commercials for women’s razor blades, we’ve got Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does it Better” covered by Radiohead, before everything became Extremely Serious Business with those guys. Like, lighten up a little, Thom Yorke. You are way too gloomy for a guy whose first album cover looks like an Anne Geddes photoshoot gone even more horribly wrong. But can Thom out feminine Adele, performing Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman”? Only our voters can decide.
And finally, in this extra-special 10-song set, I simply could not resist pitting female-fronted acousticy performances of Def Leopard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” (as covered by Emm Gryner) and “You Shook Me All Night Long” (done by Leslie King) against each other. Re-appropriated cock rock is always good for a lark.
For your convenience and so you can find out who the match-ups are without wading through all my witty banter, here is your pastable:
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, “Atlantic City” vs. John Mayer, “I’m on Fire”
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” vs. Eddie Vedder, “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”
Lissie, “Bad Romance” vs. Fountains of Wayne “Hit Me Baby (One More Time)”
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” vs. Adele, “Natural Woman”
Emm Gryner, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” vs. Leslie King, “You Shook Me All Night Long”
Living the Dream 
Sorry for jumping the gun! The excitement was too much for me…or sleep has just been too little for me…
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 4
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 5
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 5
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 4
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 7 Such a great song. A tone deaf manatee could make this sound good.
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 4
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 5
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 4 This feels really rushed. Was she explicitly told to cram this into two and a half minutes?
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 2 A stripper ballad adapted in a minor chord. How inventive. Blech.
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 4
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 6
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 5
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 7
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 5
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 6
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 4
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 5
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 4
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 2
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 4
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” – 7.7
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” – 6
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” – 6
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” – 7
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” – 3.8
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” – 4.8
Bad Romance is really pretty flat without all the production in the Lady Gaga version, boring song. Also, the roma gagaga stuff sounds really silly in the stark folk-rock format.
Good job matching these up, matcher. Not crazy about Hit Me Baby either, when did pop songs become so boring!
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” – 5.5 – Don’t know the original of this, cover’s aiight.
Adele, ”Natural Woman” – 4.5 – Great song, boring version.
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” – 3
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” – 4
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 7.5
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 5.75
I almost nominated another Atlantic City cover by The Hold Steady. But I like this country cover quite a bit, so I’m glad I didn’t — I would hate to have to make that decision. I think I like Bruce Springsteen as a songwriter more than I like him as a singer, except that I love his voice in the original I’m on Fire. John Mayer’s voice is too pretty for this song.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 5.25
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 5
I remember loving Last Kiss when I was a teeny bopper. It is okay now, but I think it is a little bit corny. But thank you for nominating it — I had forgotten about this song and hearing it again took me back to 10th grade. 🙂
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 7.75
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 7.8
Bad Romance is a pretty swell song no matter what. I like Gaga more than Lissie. On the other hand, Hit Me Baby isn’t a great song and I like FoW more than the original.
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 7.5
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 6.75
I love Thom York’s slightly whiny voice. Today he does it for me.
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 6.5
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 5.5
I can’t stand the original Pour some Sugar. I can see myself listening to this version multiple times. Yay. You SHook me is okay.
Big yawn for this round, not feeling any of these songs.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” – 5/6
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” – 6/4
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” – 4/3
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” – 3/4
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” – 3/4
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 4
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 2
OK so we all know how much I love me some Bruce. Which means I’m not going easy on Boss covers.
First, in the last tournament when someone said “I don’t like AC because there are so many better covers of it out there,” were we talking about this?
Second, hey John Mayer, when you sing “sometimes it feels like someone took a knife, baby, edgy and dull, and cut a six inch valley in the middle of my skull,” I don’t really believe you. Also, it’s “soul,” not “skull,” which further detracts from your already nearly non-existent legitimacy.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 6.6
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 7
Favorite track off of I Am Sam.
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 6
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 4
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 7
Adele, ”Natural Woman” 5.5
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 7.2
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 3.5
Dear Emm Gryner,
Hi. I’m Guillermo. I do music tournaments and your song got nominated. I really like your version of Pour Some Sugar On Me. Also, you are beautiful. Also, I now see that you are a member of David Bowie’s band. I am very thankful to the nominator to bringing all of this information into my life, and hope you beat Leslie King.
Sincerely,
Guillermo
PS- I wish someone had nominated this too. Damn you are talented.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” = 6
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” = 3
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” = 7
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” = 8
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” = 4
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” = 6
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” = 5
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” = 7
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” = 5
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” = 6.5
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire”: 7/6.8
Ooooh, I might like these better than the originals. I’m pretty sure we can verify this against the Boss singing Atlantic CIty. Still sad they blew up the chicken shack.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”: 6/8
I actually used to love both these songs. It was nice to hear them both again. One shall reign supreme.
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)”: 5.5/4.75
Oh, snap! Didn’t see either of these coming. Feel blind-sided. Good that Fountains of Wayne could have some fun…oh wait, they’ve done that before.
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman”: 3/4.5
Eh…no.
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long”: 4.5/8
Oh, golly, Emm. Leslie was fantastic. Wish I could add this to my “music tourney” playlist on Grooveshark, so I could listen at work.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” = 6.5
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” = 9 [closet mayer fan, no more….]
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 3.5
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 10 [perfect cover]
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 5
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 3
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 5.5
Adele, ”Natural Woman” 7
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 3
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 3.5
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” = 6
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” = 4
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” = 6
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” = 7
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” = 6.5
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” = 4.5
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” = 3.5
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” = 7.5
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” = 7
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” = 4.5
I’ve seen Emm Gryner a bunch of times opening for other musicians and the crowd reaction to this and her version of crazy train (yep, ozzy) are pretty priceless. It doesn’t quite capture the magic just listening to the audio, but I still enjoy it greatly.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 5.0 to 7.0
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 4.0 to 5.0
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 4.0 to 5.0
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 2.0 to 5.0
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 4.0 to 6.0
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 4.0 to 6.5
I’m neither a Boss fan or a John Mayer fan but this MAY have been the only repeat listen song in the whole offering.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 2.0 to 5.0 I didn’t even want to give this a 2.0; this was near sacrilege to the original.
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 5.0 to 5.5
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 2.0 to 4.5. The singer in Radiohead should consider an operation so he can reach the high notes.
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 5.0 to 4.5. Leslie King’s was a pretty amateurish performance.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 6
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 2
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 1
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 3
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 7
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 4
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 6
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 8
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 7
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 5
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” – 6
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” – 6.1
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” – 6.75
Whelp, I never knew this was a cover. Who let me be part of this tournament?
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” – 6.5
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” – 5
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” – 6.75
This version of Bad Romance bummed me out.
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” – 6.75
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman”- 6
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” – 7
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” – 4.25
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” = 4
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” = 2
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” = 7
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” = 7.5
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” = 7.5
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” = 4
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” = 5.5
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” = 5.75
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” = 6
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” = 4.5
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire”- 3: 5
Like Guillermo, I am going to scrutinize these songs rigorously. I’ll start with my beef with Rodney Parker. Atlantic City is a gritty song, but because Bruce was already a rock star when he wrote it, you could theoretically out-gritty with him a cover. Instead, this goes the other direction, treating it like any old rock tune with any old rock lyrics. Doesn’t work. In contrast, I’m on Fire is about love, so Mayer isn’t inherently out of his element. However, he sounds like Paul Simon, circa directionless early 70s. It’s just ok.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”: 8.8 : 5.7
Much better. Last Kiss is pretty legendary, and importantly for this tournament’s purposes, way better than the original. In the original, the singer doesn’t even sound upset about his loss.
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)”- 3.4: 5.2
Slowing the song down and articulating the lyrics is not helpful to Bad Romance. That song works because it is a distracting spectacle with a mildly catchy hook. Fountains of Wayne were…drumroll…my first concert! They got cheesier as time went on, but their first album (self-titled) is pretty great. I believe Fountains of Wayne is an ice-cream shop in New Jersey.
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman”– 7.8: 6.3
For the second straight tournament, I don’t understand people hating on Yorke’s voice. He’s one of the best vocalists of his generation.
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long”- 4.3 : 6.6
Leslie King was more convincing.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” [5]
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” [3]
I’m with Guillermo – super tough on Boss covers. Also, John Mayer is a creep.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” [5]
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” [7.75]
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” [5.2]
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” [4.7]
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” [3]
Adele, ”Natural Woman” [6.25]
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” [6]
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” [5]
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 4
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 3
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 5.5
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 8
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 6
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 4.5
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 5
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 5.5
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 5
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 6.5
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 6
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 5
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 8.5
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 8
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 4
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 4.5
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 4
Adele, ”Natural Woman” 5
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 4
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 5.5
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 5
vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 7.5
The last tournament taught me I’m not a huge Bruce fan, but I do like both of these songs. I like Atlantic City better as far as actual songs go, but I’d rather listen to Mayer’s cover again.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 8.5
vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 2
There’s a reason Pearl Jam’s cover was so popular. Eddie’s anguish is much more believable than the original while still sounding upbeat. I find “you’ve got to hide your love away” annoying no matter who sings it and not one of the million covers has changed my mind.
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 4
vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 6
Some good spots in Lissie, but Fountains of Wayne is just more fun.
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 4
vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 3.8
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 5.7
vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 4
Points for being different.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” – 4
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” – 7
did not enjoy rodney. not sure mayer added much to this cover, but it was hauntingly beautiful.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” – 5
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” – 7.5
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” – 4.5
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” – 4
well, i really like lissie, but i find gaga’s music rather annoying… in the end, i think i’d rather listen to her do her own stuff. fountains was uninspiring… travis did a much better cover of this song. i’ll give the edge to lissie for having a bit of soul.
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” – 8
Adele, ”Natural Woman” – 6.5
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” – 4
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” – 5
ohh, i just dont know about either of these…
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” – 5
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” – 6.5
Ok so, I kind of like John Mayer….stop judging me! 🙂
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” – 4.5
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” – 8
I think I like Eddie better by himself.
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” – 7
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” – 4
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” – 4.5
Adele, ”Natural Woman” – 4
I expected to like both of these more than I did.
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” – 6
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” – 3
Anyone else find the ‘harmonizing’ on YSMANL to be super distracting, and not in a good way? Eek. I think Emm’s performance will grow on me, and I would much rather hear more of her than more of Leslie…
This should be an interesting tournament. If I loved the original, the nomination will probably score low since it shouldn’t be covered. If I hated the original, the nomination will probably score low since it shouldn’t be covered. So basically the original songs that I previously found average will likely do best this tournament for me. I’m guessing I will break my own record for 1s and 2s.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” vs. John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 3 / 2
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” vs. Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 8 / 9
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” vs. Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 2 / 4
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” vs. Adele, ”Natural Woman” 3 / 1
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” vs. Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 2 / 1
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 3 [hellish]
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 6
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 6.5
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 8.5
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 8.5
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 3.8
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 6
Adele, ”Natural Woman” 2 [was head-in head until she started squacking about halfway through]
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 3 [good attempt- good vocals, just can’t deal with having to hear this again.]
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 5.8 [nice voice- simple and fun]
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” = 7
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” = 8 Honestly, I liked the first song a lot. I just like the source material on the second better.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” = 3. I hated it when it was popular. 13 years hasn’t made any difference.
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” = 6. Much better. It actually fits Vedder’s range and he doesn’t sound flat reaching for what little high notes are in the song.
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” = 2. Yikes. Just…yikes.
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” = 5. Britney Spears covers tend to suck because well, the source material isn’t that deep. I was seriously considering Local H’s Toxic, but decided against it because it didn’t test well with the girls.
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” = 7.5 What’s that? Thom Yorke is whining? At least he knows where his strengths lie.
Adele, ”Natural Woman” = 5 What’s that? Adele is doing a soulful cover of a song made popular by a diva from another era? At least she knows where her strengths lie.
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” = 1 Look, when I listen to this version, I can’t stuff dollar bills in some single mother’s thong while she grinds her naughty bits against mine. You just cost some poor girl with daddy issues her tip. I hope that makes you feel about as bad as I felt after listening to this song. Some things are better left untouched.
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” = 1.1 Is this the opposite of the Danno hammer? I would die happy if I never had to hear either of these songs. Unfortunately, someone has to win.
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 6.5
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 3
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 6
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 3.5
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 7
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 4
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 1 I apologize to whoever nominated this. I’m a James Bond nut and purist – even though this is a lousy Bond theme song, screwing with it like this just doesn’t sit well with me… stop messing with shit that works people.
Adele, ”Natural Woman” 4.5
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 5.5
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 8.5 – Really really liking this one. Thanks to the nominator here!
Rodney Parker & the 50 Peso Reward, ”Atlantic City” 6
John Mayer, ”I’m on Fire” 8
I was NOT expecting to like either of these. I’d listened to the cover of Atlantic City before and not liked it, but tonight it kind of hit the spot. And whatever, that John Mayer cover was real pretty.
Pearl Jam, “Last Kiss” 7
Eddie Vedder, ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” 5
I know a lot of people hate this version of Last Kiss, but really, the original is so weird for its lack of emotion that I think this version is superior.
Lissie, ”Bad Romance” 7
Fountains of Wayne ”Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” 2
How can Fountains of Wayne possibly sound like they are having zero fun with this?
Radiohead, “Nobody Does it Better” 4
Adele, ”Natural Woman” 1
Natural Woman is one of my least favorite songs of all time.
Emm Gryner, ”Pour Some Sugar on Me” 4
Leslie King, ”You Shook Me All Night Long” 2.5