Love Song by The Damned; an early punk standard!
The Original
The Damned:
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The Cover Songs Competitionpace
I realize it’s extremely difficult to choose between two covers that are so similar. But, alas, it is our solemn responsibility …
The London Punkharmonic Orchestra vs. Red Letter Day
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The London Punkharmonic Orchestra:
Red Letter Day:
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. Only one cover tune will live to play another day and it is your solemn responsibility to decide which one prevails. So tell me … Which Side Are You On?!!?
Also, keep in mind that if you should spontaneously self-actualize while playing a cover then you could – and probably should – nominate it for Top 10 (i.e. “Impeccable”) consideration.
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Votes can be cast up to seven days from the day and time of the original post.
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
Another tough call. I love the concept of an orchestra knocking out a venerable old punk song and playing it completely straight. But Red Letter Day kicks out a great rendition and sounds like they’re having a helluva lot of fun in the process. And somehow the romance of this beautiful song is whisked away without its lovely lyrics. Red Letter Day by an oboe …
I prefer the orchestra even though it becomes a completely different song, relying only on the melody, which is only a smaller part of the original’s charm. Red Letter Day’s version to me lacks any of the Damned’s adrenaline fueled ramshackle madness. They are like a punt returner bolting at full speed while evading tackles barely while almost losing balance but able to stay upright by the smallest margin. No small feat. Melody, verve , passion, heat. Classic.
Hmmm, maybe not such a Red Letter Day after all. But a bit unfair comparing any band to The Damned, who of course had the benefit of including Captain Sensible among its cadre. As I’m sure your mother would have told you it’s always best to follow in Captain Sensible’s astute path (“The Way of Captain Sensible” is how my Mom used to refer to it as).
I agree with Pete. It’s a different song with the Punkharmonic. But it’s much more interesting.