Broccoli Fields Forever …
Delilah was a big hit when I was growing up. I remember having to endure it many a time on the radio. But until actually researching it a bit for the blog, I could not have told you anything pertaining to what it was about. Can you? Well it’s a real killer … literally. It’s about some character who, while approaching his woman’s house for an impromptu visit, spies her through the blinds cavorting about, if you know what I mean. In a rage he beats on her door (“Why, Oh Why, Delilah?), upon entering promptly slices her to ribbons and then begs for her forgiveness. Nice tune.
In searching an apt competitor for John Otway’s version it was interesting to find that virtually everyone who covered this song did so in mocking fashion. Other than Tom I don’t know that anyone took it seriously. Although, when your crooning about heinous atrocities how could you keep a straight face? Given the subject matter it is surprising and unfortunate that my man, Nick Cave, never added his special kind of magic to this number. However, I did come across a cover of Nick belting out, and I kid you not, I Just Stopped in To See What Condition My Condition Was In (but that’s for another post on another day).
The Original
Tom Jones:
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The Cover Songs Competition
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I found five or six excellent covers of Delilah. It was quite difficult choosing who would compete.
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Flogging Molly vs. John Otway
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Flogging Molly:
For reasons you’ll soon find out, Flogging Molly refers to their version as De (That’s All Right) Lilah:
John Otway:
Bit of a long intro but John can be a little verbose during live shows. But what can you do? The guy’s got a lot on his mind and thankfully he’s willing to share it!
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.
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cover me impressed 
Ridiculously difficult choice here. Flogging Molly’s rendition is spirited, first-rate tunage. John Otway’s lunacy is second to nobody and, although the sound quality of the video is not the greatest, his offering is a masterpiece of the absurd. I listened to both medleys three times each and changed my mind a few times before settling on Otway’s version. Because when you come right down to it, he did it Otway …