Trouser Press
 
Back to: HomeReviewsWhat's New
 
 
 New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Log In   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 
 Musical Bullets (Dodged)
Author: HollowbodyKay 
Date:   04-10-12 22:11

There are lots of instances when a band I really like has covered a tune by some older, more obscure group. I've heard the cover version, read all about the older band, kept my eyes peeled for the original version and often been rewarded with some real musical gems. However …

I can't think of any just now, as the shock of hearing Slapp Happy's original version of "Blue Flower" is still too fresh in my mind. Holy Merciful Heavens! What a goofball tune.

Amazing that anyone could hear a salvageable song amidst all that. I'm glad I never found that (or any) Slapp Happy record under circumstances where I would have been obliged to buy it before could hear it.

Talk about dodging a musical bullet.

Whew!

Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Musical Bullets (Dodged)
Author: Michael Toland 
Date:   04-11-12 11:25

Who's covered it recently that set you to unearthing the original?

Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Musical Bullets (Dodged)
Author: erikalbany 
Date:   04-11-12 11:38

"Who's covered it recently that set you to unearthing the original?"

Mazzy Star (though not recently, over 20 years ago)?

Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Musical Bullets (Dodged)
Author: HollowbodyKay 
Date:   04-11-12 12:56

It was actually Mazzy Star's cover on their debut LP back when that alerted me to the very existence of Slapp Happy. It's been a non-issue for years. One doesn't see a lot of Slapp Happy product these days. Or ever.

However, I recently paid a visit to a Mazzy Star website that had been updated at some point over the last decade or so to include MP3 snippets of some of the original versions of tunes that Roback & Co. have covered. They weren't a feature the last time I'd visited the website.

That's what set me off. Sometimes, not knowing can be better than what you find out.

Yikes.

Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Musical Bullets (Dodged)
Author: Mr Manager 
Date:   04-11-12 14:05

I actually heard Blue Flower via the Pale Saints, as it was one of my favorites off of their second album. I knew it was a cover, but I had assumed that the Mazzy Star version was the original. Sounds like I wasn't missing much by not knowing the truth.

Reply To This Message
 Threaded View   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 


 Need a Login? Register Here 
 User Login
 User Name:
 Password:
 Remember my login:
   
 Forgot Your Password?
Enter your email address or user name below and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your profile.

phorum.org