In 1993, the Al Jourgensen side project, the Revolting Cocks recorded a cover version of Rod Stewart‘s disco classic, “D’you think I’m sexy”. The cover was far superior to the original. So much so, it seems that Mr. Stewart, former singer of Faces, in awe of the band’s talent and conflicted by jealousy, took measures to have the song banned.
The song is an assault on the original, combining verses spoken in a laid-back Scottish accent with a chorus sung in the unholy growl of Jourgensen. It pays little respect to the original, and that proves to be for the better.
It was not, however, the first time that a cover song improved the original by attempting to destroy. Here we have a look at some of the more famous reinterpretations:
Apparently manager Malcolm McClaren would bring the Pistols sensible songs that they could tear through. THe criterias included shock value and being simple ebough that they could play. Check out the cover of the Small Faces’ “whacha gonna do about it”
Not any less dirty then the reported lyrics to the original. Iggy brings the new lyrics into the realms of American existentialism, bemoaning having to worry about “AIDS, education, and health insurance.” It also contains one of the many great Iggy lines: “A fine lil’ girl is waiting for me/ But I’m as bent as Dostoyevsky.”
This is either combating the idea that a giant open-air festival cannot take a joke, or Daron is simply blissfully unaware of where he is. His eyes do not give him away though.
Me first and the gimme gimme – Practically any song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72SBsy325G0
A band combining the brilliance of pop-punk luminaries from Fat Wreck Chords with tasteful selections by the likes of Paula Abdul or R.Kelly. They also find time to ruin Bar Mitzvas here and there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRTgKKcv2qg
The scariest thing is he must’ve been down with a duet with Phil, for real. Dirty and stinkin’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jadvt7CbH1o
The cover that started a whole new style. The style consisted of taking a famous song and reinterpreting the hell out of it. Oh, sweet oblivion.
