Fun with covers - contrast and compare

[deathpixie]

Here are two links to a song called "I Was Only 19 (A Walk In The Light Green)", a Vietnam song by an Aussie folk band called Redgum. The cover is by an Aussie rap band called The Herd, passed onto me by [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]. It's quite possible Dad will either love or hate the second version, but I'm curious to see what people think.

Redgum version

The Herd version

And to help people out... lyrics, with notes.

And now with added clips! Redgum version only.

Comments

[ferox.livejournal.com]

This is going to be one of those things that makes me cry like a little girl, isn't it?

[deathpixie]

Possibly? The subject matter's pretty raw, but the music tends to both accentuate it and distract from it, if that makes any sense... Probably not, given the brain death. ;)

[leftvegdrunk.livejournal.com]

Legend. I have been meaning to get hold of The Herd's version for a while. Have you seen the clip?

[deathpixie]

No, I haven't - just got this version in November. Think it'd be on YouTube? Since I'm a long way away from Rage these days...

[leftvegdrunk.livejournal.com]

May well be. I know a mate in Sydney had it as a media file, so he must've got it from somewhere. I'll send it your way if I come across it.

It shows the roots of the Herd guys, hey. Somewhat unexpectedly, I have to say. I've also noticed lots of Midnight Oil references in their stuff, too.

[leftvegdrunk.livejournal.com]

Ah, here it is (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gmgwx77osw).

[deathpixie]

Unfortunately the Herd version isn't there - some rather not-clever person linked to the original and called it the Herd. *wry* But if you ever come across it, I'd appreciate the file. The Herd's not a band I've heard a lot of, but they're definitely growing on me. And their cover is really well done, I think.

[leftvegdrunk.livejournal.com]

D'oh. That'll teach me to rush. I'll sing out if I see it.

[deathpixie]

Yeah, I got caught too. Ta in advance. :)

[deathpixie]

Also, just flicked through your LJ. Candle Records went down? Damn, that's tragic. I'm a bit of a Lucksmiths fan and always enjoyed the Candles' picks...

[leftvegdrunk.livejournal.com]

Aye. A shame indeed. Crouchie just needed a change I think, but it is still a big loss. I am hoping to see their final Sydney concert early next month before I head off again. I am a Luckies head from way back too.

[just-shai.livejournal.com]

I'm crying now, I hope you know.

And I can't help but wonder if the "had me dusted off" phrase is at all related to Dust Off. That's what we call the medevac chopper.

[just-shai.livejournal.com]

Sometimes, as much as I love you, I have moments of really hating you. That was really painful.

Thank you.

[myniamh.livejournal.com]

I've heard The Herds version once before but it's a bit like the calypso edit of Coldplay's Clocks, which I approve of but was unsure of how successful it turned out at first. The rhythms of the first make it hard to listen to without noting every beat that's different. The switching back and forth between the original tune and their own style is a bit confusing.

On the second listen (thank you so much by the way) it's much more affecting because I've forgiven it for being a different style. It is a good cover.

*cries*

[deathpixie]

No, it's a common phrase in Australia, even pre-Vietnam.

[pollymel.livejournal.com]

Always makes me cry! *grins* They both do.