Tune du Jour: “Guns of Brixton” – The Clash
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Chicha Libre vs. Jimmy Cliff with Tim Armstrong vs. Dado Villa Lobos
Everybody’s Dressin’ Funny … Cover Me Impressed!
“The greatest patriotism is to tell your country when it is behaving dishonorably.”
Julian Barnes
The Original
The Clash:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Chicha Libre vs. Jimmy Cliff with Tim Armstrong vs. Dado Villa Lobos
Chicha Libre:
Jimmy Cliff with Tim Armstrong:
Dado Villa Lobos:
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 
Three excellent versions. You see Jimmy Cliff and TIm Armstrong, and think, “How could they go wrong? They have to win this one hands-down.” Well, it is indeed a fine rendition of this cool song, as is Dado Villa Lobos’.
But for some reason I was most taken with Chicha Libre. Their version was a little understated, which I kinda liked. The accordion-like instrument was a nice touch. And the the lead singer’s accent kinda reminded me a little of Tom Waits.
It’s a close call, for sure. But I’m tipping my guitar to Chicha Libre.
While I like Paul Giamatti’s new project (i.e. Chicha Libre) they did not win my vote. It was close between Jimmy Cliff / Tim Armstrong and Dado Villa Lobos. Dado Villa Lobos by a dirty hair.
Dado Villa Lobos did a good version; I like the bass, decent vocals. He makes one slight lyrical change, but it’s a big difference. He sings “When they “knock” at your front door…”. While you and I know the original says “When they “kick” at your front door…”. Sure, it’s a single word, but a “knock” at the front door could be girl scouts selling cookies, whereas a “kick” at the front door is significantly more confrontational.
When I saw Jimmy Cliff’s name I thought it overwhelmingly likely he would get my vote. I wouldn’t have known it was Jimmy if it wasn’t identified as such. I guess all my Jimmy Cliff material is from the early seventies; I figured this must be from some relatively recent project. I just looked it up and found this is from a 2012 CD, recorded in 2011. As much as I love old school Jimmy, I was somewhat disappointed in this.
Never heard of Chicha Libre, but I really liked the peculiar mix of instruments, and to my surprise, I ended up loving it. Chicha Libre for the win!
I think all three are very good. The first time through I was ready to vote for Dado Villa Lobos. After going through them again I decided to vote for Chicha Libre. A very inventive interpretation. Sounds like Gogol Bordello in a mellow mood.