Twisted MixTape: Cover Me This Batman

I'm back. It's been a few weeks and I admit, I've been a rude guest. I've been really busy and I didn't even send back my RSVP to Jen at My Skewed View, that I wouldn't be hanging out at the MixTape party. But here I am, and I brought a hostess gift.

This weeks Twisted MixTape theme is cover songs. I.Love.Covers. Just really enjoy hearing one artist interpret another. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but tonight... all winners.

The first song was written in 1969 by American musician Steve Young. I first heard it covered by Rita Coolidge in 1970, but the best cover I've heard is the one with the five-part harmony.

The Eagles "Seven Bridges Road"

The Everly Brothers have had their songs covered endless times. One of the most interesting is this.

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant "Gone, Gone, Gone"

I used this next song in one of my "Got It Covered" features, that sadly I haven't done in a while. My dear S-I-L the fab Ms. G turned me onto it, and without a doubt it's one of the best covers I've ever heard. Originally by Cheap Trick, it's hard to believe it's the same song.

The Holmes Brothers "I Want You To Want Me"

I cannot do this list without something from one of the greatest song interpreters, Joe Cocker. But which one to choose? "With A Little Help From My Friends," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Feelin' Alright," "Summer In The City," "Something," are all worthy choices. But I think I'll go with the girl who worked in fifteen clubs a day.

Joe Cocker "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window"

Now I just have to throw an old blues number in the mix, but which one. There are literally hundreds to choose from and I love them all. So, I think I'll pick a blues cover which helped me start to dig deeper into the genre. Originally by Big Mama Thornton, who does a great job herself, this is from Janis.

Janis Joplin "Ball And Chain"

My last selection is just incredible. Some of you may be aware of this video, it's gone viral. It's just two guys, on guitar and bass, sitting in a pizza joint singing one of the best covers. Check out the number of views. Top rock stars would die for those numbers. I actually had the pleasure of interviewing him, it will be posted over at Earth Hertz as soon as I get it finished. It's a great story even without the music. Anyway, this is just wonderful.

Mike Masse and Jeff Hall "Africa"

Covers... I got a million of 'em, but that's enough for tonight.

The Song Remains the Same, or Does It: Ball and Chain

When I think of the song "Ball and Chain" the version I immediately hear in my head is that of Janis Joplin. Hers was a cover of the Big Mama Thornton song "Ball 'n' Chain. Janis covered the song on her Cheap Thrills album, alongside Big Brother and the Holding Company.

Featuring a full out raw vocal, no one wailed the blues or made you feel them like Janis. This link is from 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and it a joy watching a legend in the making.

Janis Joplin "Ball and Chain"

There are a few different songs with this name, so I've tried to get a wide range of sounds. Next  up is a polar opposite from the Joplin version. It is from a 1982 album by English band XTC and is a pop anthem if ever I heard one.

XTC "Ball and Chain"

Ok, coming back to real music, Elton John put a little country flavor to his take on the song. It was featured on his 1982 album Jump Up and features Pete Townshend on acoustic guitar.

Elton John "Ball and Chain"

And the last version is from a 80's-90's California based reggae/punk/ska band called Sublime. A medley of 5546/Ball and Chain. I'm just loving this song.

Sublime "Ball and Chain"

Pick a favorite, I still love Janis but the reggae flavor is keeping my feet moving.

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