BAD COVERS OF CLASSIC SONGS

Over the years, there have been a number of great songs with equally egregious cover versions.

MICHAEL SLEZAK at EW’S POPWATCH BLOG puts in his two cents for Jessica Simpson’s version of NANCY SINATRA’S THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING.

I found Ms. Simpson’s reinvention passable at the time. But, upon reflection and having just viewed her video over at POPWATCH, I’d say it would have to be a serious contender for one of the worst covers EVER. After all, remaking songs that were perfect in the first place is an exceptionally bad idea. Just like making brand new versions of fabulous films is equally ridiculous.

If you can’t improve on the original or bring something fresh to the table, why do it at all? Surely there’s all kinds of garbage that’s laying around begging for a new coat of paint.

Ms. Sinatra’s THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING is a 60s classic. It’s the ultimate F you athem for every woman who’s ever been wronged, disappointed, let down (or worse) by some man…and then moved on to someone else. (She had another big hit with a similar theme, HOW DOES THAT GRAB YOU DARLIN?)

NANCY SINATRA is obviously my kind of girl. The latter title is a phrase that has crossed my lips many times over, in jest or in anger. As for BOOTS, it’s been a special favourite of mine since I was a tot with a ponytail. I can relate to it even more as a grown up, of course. I had the foresight to pick good men. But every relationship has its ups and downs. There are always days when you could take him out behind the woodshed and teach him a lesson.

Of one kind or another…

That line: “I just found me a brand new box of matches/And what he knows you ain’t had time to learn” is quite significant as well.

So let me be crystal. It’s a straight girl’s perspective, but I definitely think JESSICA SIMPSON is sexy. I don’t consider her a bad singer. But she does everything but dig a hole and bury it. The video is nothing more than an advertisement for that awful Dukes Of Hazzard movie she was in. So I do get the white trash get up.

This is not a song that begs to be countrified. It’s a truly terrible waste.

I was trying to come up with some other examples. I couldn’t think of any offhand. But perhaps you ladies and gentlemen have some that you’d care to contribute.

I’m at a loss….