Tune du Jour: “God Only Knows” – The Beach Boys
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. vs. Diesel Park West vs. The Mockers
Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!
“My father always told me that all businessmen were sons of bitches.”
John F. Kennedy
The Original
The Beach Boys:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. vs. Diesel Park West vs. The Mockers
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.:
Diesel Park West
The Mockers:
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On?!!?
cover me impressed 
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.’s version kinda grew on me. Melodic without being too scmaltzy, true to the original with a few innovations. Very nice indeed. I even listened to it a second time and found that I missed a few things the first time around. Love the band name.
The Mockers did a nice version. But somehow it fell a tad bit short for me. It’s basically a very strong effort. But I think the jazzy, progressive rock fills are out of place here. And seems a bit too long as well.
Diesel Park West was just awful. Sounds like it was recorded for American Idol.
Tough call. People whom love this music love harmonies, melodies and inventive arrangements. So, how much do you alter Brian’s work. I liked D.E. Jr. Jr. best. Their guitar intro into a spacey rendition with a little cut and paste and some electronic wrinkles without ever losing the essence of the song wins the day. Diesel Park West was also strong with a string laden opening before a nice vocal harmony mix and a very ethereal lift. It was more arrangement than vocal prowess. The Mockers started strong with a more electric rock approach heavy on the bass which sounded good but the last third of the song was a repetitive loop. Still a good version but that made a difference when tough choices had to be made.
The first was good, but stayed close to the original.
The second one had interesting production, which I liked.
The third brought the rhythm section to the fore, and quickened the pace slightly, while not forgetting the harmonic crescendos at the end.
Three good and worthwhile versions with The Mockers winning a close decision.