cover me impressed

As the story goes, due to a lack of commercial success, Mott the Hoople was ready to call it quits when David Bowie stepped in to help. David first offered the song “Suffragette City”, which the band rejected. So David wrote “All the Young Dudes” (supposedly while sitting cross-legged in his apartment with Ian Hunter intently looking on). Mott the Hoople released its masterpiece in 1972. Bowie also recorded a studio version of the song in 1972 but did not release it until decades later.

In 2004 Rolling Stone magazine ranked “All the Young Dudes” No. 253 in its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and on its 2010 update the song rated No. 256. The song was also included on “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”.

I guess passing on Suffragette City was the right move …

Original Studio Versions

 

David Bowie (1972):

Mott the Hoople (1972):

 

A Couple of Great Live Versions

 

David Bowie, Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, Queen & others at the Freddie Mercury Tribute (London’s Wembley Stadium 1992):

David Bowie Live in New York (1997):

 

The Cover Songs Competition

 

Bruce Dickinson vs. World Party

 

Bruce Dickinson:

This video is sappy to the point of comical. Probably a good thing Dickinson never pursued acting as a career.

World Party:

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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