So, whaddya think? Here’s what I’ve found…
Comparing the two songs, the “original” by Blondie strikes me as a cross between reggae and an Acapulco band. I mean, the song isn’t really objectionable, but it doesn’t really “say anything.” Not that all songs have to, mind you, sometimes they are entertainment for entertainment’s sake, and that’s how both versions strike me. Stylistically, it seems to be quite a radical departure for the artist responsible for “Heart of Glass.” Also, Blondie seems to be straining to catch low notes that appear to be slightly out of her vocal range…anyone else concur? Anyone else at all familiar with the Blondie version?
The Atomic Kitten version actually (to me) is quite listenable, but seems to have an identity crisis similar to the Blondie version in that it can’t seem to decide which musical style it is…the guitars and other instruments actually give it almost a “new country” feel, while the vocals come across as slightly, but not quite, “pop.”
So - how do these two versions strike you? What about other recent re-makes of songs 15 - 30 years old by new soloists or bands? How do they compare?
I’m not really familiar with either of the versions, it not really being a favorite song of mine, but I am more familiar with the Blondie version, and prefer it. I hate remakes of most songs; they just never sound “right.”
Never heard of the Paragons, so the Blondie version is the earliest I’m familiar with. I put the “original” in quotes because I figured there were probably earlier versions out there…
Can’t comment on the Paragons version because I’ve never heard it…
Atomic Kitten is a nice piece of pop-fluff, listenable and not that offensive. Also, boobies! Anyone see them in the Party in the Park concert a few years ago? 0_o
The Blondie version was ok, but it was a bit before my time.
Ah, yes, Rabid_Squirrel, boobies is gooooood. Which very probably explains my otherwise unexplainable fascination with SheDaisy. (Which seems to be moving more and more towards pop-fluff these days, as well.)
