Does anyone really dispute that the Dixie Chicks were right about the war?
Day 2 continues with another eclectic eight. Listen here, and vote by commenting below before 11pm EST on Friday. And tell us about your Halloween costume while you’re at it.
Our project to let nominators give shoutouts for their songs will be a trend for the rest of the round, so start thinking ahead. Only a few folks got their soundbites in with the short notice, so I’ll fill in where necessary. All of these songs are quality- how many of you are glad to be out of the Round of 128 weeds?
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) – No nominator plug here, but we all know this song pretty cold.
vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) : “Once again, Beyonce proves that she is a consummate performer. A lot of cover songs are great because you hear how the performer makes the song theirs, but in this case, I think her cover is thrilling because you get to hear a different side of Beyonce. When she starts growling, it becomes obvious that she can basically do anything. R&B? Yes. Soul? She got you. Rock and roll? No prob, sugar. I mean, she is like the freaking pregnant Swiss Army Knife of music. Yes.
And that’s why I love this song, not only because it came in the middle of a medley that featured Queen and Prince covers, but also because you get to see just how incandescently talented Beyonce is. It’s like, no matter where or when she was born, Beyonce was destined to become famous. If Tina Knowles were from Mumbai, Beyonce would now be wrapping her 165th Bollywood musical. That’s the kind of talent we’re talking here people. Just add costume and mic. Where there’s a weave, there’s a way. In all seriousness, though, it’s clear that Beyonce can pretty much do no wrong; she is no average superstar. Case in point: that time she slipped on stage, she was back up before the next note. IN HEELS. But when Michelle slipped that time on BET, Beyonce just looked down at her and was like “You betta’ get up, heifer.” Which is clearly why Destiny’s Child broke up. Because Beyonce is a solo act. Consummate. Performer. IN HEELS.” -Bradley
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs)
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“This is a cover of a song by Steve Harley & Cockney rebel, a lesser-known glam outfit from the 70s, whose music borders on the silly, and lives firmly encamped in the nonsensical. For music wonks, it might interest you to know that The Venus in Furs are an amalgamation of musicians from the likes of Radiohead, Roxy Music, and the London Suede, created for the glam-rock epic “Velvet Goldmine.” For those who prefer personal stories, I’ll repeat the comment I made during the first round, which is that I love this song because it’s weird and unique and deeply connected to a formative time in my life, when I was about 16 or 17 and obsessively watched my VHS of “Velvet Goldmine,” which had immeasurable impact on my taste in music, fashion, and men. It’s not a song or a movie that’s for everyone, but if you have a penchant for glitter, oppulance, and fantastic music, both might appeal to you.” – Aiko.
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vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) : I imagine Alex did not write in because of bitterness over “Don’t Do It”s loss in the Round of 128. That was the nomination he really cared about. Anyway, this is one of the best bands of all time doing one of the best bands of all time. Enjoy.
Fantastic cover compilation. RIP, Joey (and other) Ramones
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) “Rodrigo and Gabriela are heavy metal rockers from Mexico City who moved to Dublin but didn’t take their guitars. The transition to acoustic from electric catapulted them into international superstar status. This mashup of Metallica’s One with Dave Brubeck’s Take 5 showcases their frenetic style with their eclectic taste.” – Catholic
vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS)
“This is the ultimately nostalgic rock and roll anthem. It was one of many great tracks on the tribute to Joey Ramone, but as one of the only contemporaries of the Ramones on the record, KISS really gets fired up for “it’s the end of the 70s, it’s the end, the end of the century!” If you don’t like KISS, just close your eyes and remember lying in bed, sneaking in that rock ‘n roll radio after you were supposed to be asleep.” -Janos
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) “No time – crazy exam/lab/homework week. But she’s awesome so I think she can do it without the soundbite.” -Margot
vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks)
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“Travelin’ Soldier” pierces the heart — in the best way. Some may grasp the powerful message immediately, while most will admit that “Travelin’ Soldier” gets better with each listen. This is storytelling at its finest. As mentioned in the previous round, “Travelin’ Soldier” was the song the Dixie Chicks were playing when they made their controversial political remarks, which led to the DC being “banned” from country music in 2003. It’s a song that will hold ground for generations to come — it expresses the complexity of love and loss in a simple way. “Travelin’ Solder” may be a dark horse in this tournament. – Natalie B.
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Pastables:
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce)
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones)
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS)
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks)
Living the Dream 
I did send mine in but it was late! But he’s my blurb about Tumbling Down:
This is a cover of a song by Steve Harley & Cockney rebel, a lesser-known glam outfit from the 70s, whose music borders on the silly, and lives firmly encamped in the nonsensical. For music wonks, it might interest you to know that The Venus in Furs are an amalgamation of musicians from the likes of Radiohead, Roxy Music, and the London Suede, created for the glam-rock epic “Velvet Goldmine.” For those who prefer personal stories, I’ll repeat the comment I made during the first round, which is that I love this song because it’s weird and unique and deeply connected to a formative time in my life, when I was about 16 or 17 and obsessively watched my VHS of “Velvet Goldmine,” which had immeasurable impact on my taste in music, fashion, and men. It’s not a song or a movie that’s for everyone, but if you have a penchant for glitter, oppulance, and fantastic music, both might appeal to you.
Just saw the email asking for nominators to give a statement about tonight’s songs. Here’s my plug for the ever-impacting “Travelin’ Soldier”:
“Travelin’ Soldier” pierces the heart — in the best way. Some may grasp the powerful message immediately, while most will admit that “Travelin’ Soldier” gets better with each listen. This is storytelling at its finest. As mentioned in the previous round, “Travelin’ Soldier” was the song the Dixie Chicks were playing when they made their controversial political remarks, which led to the DC being “banned” from country music in 2003. It’s a song that will hold ground for generations to come — it expresses the complexity of love and loss in a simple way. “Travelin’ Solder” may be a dark horse in this tournament.
Thanks for nominating it. I love the Dixie Chicks and this song appeals to my sentimental streak. I have to admit that it made my eyes a little sweaty when I listened to it tonight.
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce)
7/10
I think this is my first 10 of the Covers tournament. Beyonce, get it girl!
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones)
8/6.5
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS)
7.5/5
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks)
7/9.5
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) – 7
vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) – 3
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) – 3
vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) – 6
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) – 5
vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) – 4.5
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) –
vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) – 10
**Shameless plugs — (1) I once dated a guy much past the expiration of our relationship (many, many years ago) partly because his last name was Manes and the thought of me having the same name as that of a Dixie Chick ruled above all of the things about him that didn’t interest me (shallow? yes. awesome? also yes.). (2) I ran into the Dixie Chicks in a Nashville Kroger in the spring of 2001. Since these were the days before phones doubled as cameras, I don’t have the physical proof. But my life has never been the same. 🙂 **
Oops! Forgot one — Dock of the Bay – 5. Can’t deny that this is a decent song too….
that is awesome 🙂
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 5 / 5.5
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 6 / 8.5
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 8 / 6
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 7.5 / 4
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) [8.75]
Sex on Fire (Beyonce) [5]
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) [6.5]
Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) [5]
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) [5]
Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) [6]
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) [7]
Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) [8]
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) 8.5
Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 4
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) 7
Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 5
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) 5.5
Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 5
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) 6
Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 4
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) 8 Summer 1996 comes rushing back…
vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 6
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) 7
vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 4
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) 6
vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 4 Gene Simmons channeling Joey Ramone? Now there are two very different kinds of lead singers…
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) 7 A great Mavis track
vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 6
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) = 10:6 (I hate Beyonce, but this is solid. Fugees absolutely KILL this song. Better than the original)
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) = 5:9 (Stones totally make this song their own – neither better nor worse than Dylan… just theirs. Amazing)
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) = 2:10 (not padding the stats cuz I love the Ramones. if this doesn’t win i lose my shit)
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) = 4:5 (Shitty vs. Crappy)
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) 4
vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 4.5
Normally I like KMS (and even this version of it specifically), but I’m struggling to stay awake at work today and this song isn’t helping me.
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) 4
vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 6
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) 10
vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 6
Contrary to tonight’s post in which I say this tournament needs more crunch, this song takes the crunch out of Metallica and I still LOVE it.
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) 4.5
vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 7
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 10/5.8
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 6/7
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 6/3.5
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 3.5/8.5
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 6.0 to 3.5
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 3.5 to 6.5
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 5.0 to 3.5
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 5.0 to 7.5
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 6.0 to 3.0
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 4.0 to 6.0
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 7.0 to 5.0
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 6.0 to 7.0
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) – 8.5 – One time, one time.
Sex on Fire (Beyonce) – 4.5
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) – 7.5
Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) – 6
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) – 8 – This was a 7.5 until the percussive craziness right before the “darkness imprisoning me…” part.
Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) – 6
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) – 7
Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) – 7.8
Ahhh short on time, will have to do these in chunks. Here’s my first vote:
Killing Me Softly: 6 (heard this too many times. I can see how this would strike in the novelty space.)
Sex On Fire: 6.4 (not much in the way of this being a song as much a stunt, but I like the stunt)
(had to change my tie, time for one more)
Tumbling Down: 6
Like A Rolling Stone: 7.5
Love that this was R2D2…
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce): 10/5
The Fugees really kill it on this specific version. Beyonce just roars the first time she hits the chorus.
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones): 5.5/3.5
I really don’t like this matchup.
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS): 6/7.5
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks):6/8.5
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) – 6
Sex on Fire (Beyonce) – 4.5
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) – 5
Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) – 7
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) – 5.5
Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) – 6
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) – 6.5
Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) – 7.5
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) 7.5
Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 4
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) 6
Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 8
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) 9
Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 7.1
Gotta support Orce’s call that Rock ‘n Roll Radio is a great tune… but hearing Metallica played like that… and STILL having all the bite of the original is just plain awesome. Since I’ve checked out 4 or 5 different Rodrigo y Gabriela cuts, including an awesome live bit with Robert Trujillo from Metallica. definitely loving the nominator of this song.
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) 4.5
Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 6.5
Can’t believe I’m voting for the Dixie Chicks, but so it goes.
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) (9) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) (7)
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) (5) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) (9.5)
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) (4) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) (8)
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) (5) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) (6)
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) 7
Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 4.5
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) 5
Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 7
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) 7.5
Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 6.5
Love the Brubeck in One/Take 5.
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) 5.5
Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 8
I think I like Travelin’ Soldier more and more with each listen…
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce)
Me 6.7 : 7.5
C 9.5 : 5
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones)
Me 9.2 : 9.6 This was hard, LOVED both.
C: 8.9 / 6.7
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS)
Me: 4.5 : 10
C: 4: 9.5
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks)
Me 5.5 : 9.1 Dixie Chicks are really growing on me with this one
C 4 : 6.7
Last votes:
Rodrigo y Gabriela: 5.8
KISS: 7.6
I mean, R&G is pleasant, don’t get me wrong. But (a) is there some sort of irony in Paul Stanley’s recent vocal chord surgery and KISS now being up against an instrumental? and (b) are Janos’s match-ups REALLY going to lose to instrumentals twice in a row?
Dock Of The Bay: 6
Travelin’ Soldier: 9
Dixie Chicks=dark horse.
Killing Me Softly (Fugees) 10
vs. Sex on Fire (Beyonce) 6
Tumbling Down (Venus in Furs) 7.5
vs. Like a Rollin’ Stone (Rolling Stones) 6.5
One/Take 5 (Rodrigo y Gabriela) 8
vs. Do You Remember Rock ‘n Roll Radio (KISS) 5
Dock of the Bay (Staples Singers) 7.5
vs. Travelin’ Soldier (Dixie Chicks) 6