Valerie

My fanship of Amy Winehouse has abated none since her death, and while watching the Bruno Mars tribute to her at the MTV Video Music Awards, I started to investigate what was her most successful cover -- the Zutons' single "Valerie."  The song, of its own merit, is wonderful -- with a nice rock and roll, retro pacing and a wonderful story -- one of my favorites -- a man that is in love with a trainwreck (and he seems to be a bit of trainwreck himself).  I usually post the original last, but since Amy's has crossed into definitve version territory, hers will round out this group:

The Zutons:  A great original, and, honestly, this song makes a lot more since when a man is singing it.  I like the grit in his voice with occasional voice break.  Adds to the angst.  Fans of Amy's version, however, may miss the way she proclaims Valerie's name.  For a Zuton interview on how they feel about the re-appropriation of their song, click here.



Panic! At the Disco:  One of my favorite bands, they bring their classic earnestness to their rendition.



Bruno Mars:

2011 VMA - Music - Bruno Mars

And, Amy Winehouse:

I’ll Stand by You

This song by The Pretenders is one of my favorites. I never tire of hearing it.

Shakira—Hope for Haiti Now (2010): As the years have gone by, Shakira’s English has gotten better and better, and she’s finding herself at events like this, including the Neighborhood Ball at Obama’s inauguration. I think she did a fine job here, since she showed restraint with her legendary vibrato:



Carrie Underwood—Idol Gives Back (2007): This served as the visual montage of Carrie’s visit to South Africa during American Idol’s first charitable telethon. The song was available for download at iTunes.

Wish You Were Here

Roger Waters, Eric Clapton—Tsunami Aid-A Concert of Hope (2005):



Johnny Rzeznik (The Goo Goo Dolls) & Limp Bizkit—America-A Tribute to Heroes (2001): I was a huge Dolls fan at one time and I really liked this rendition.

My apologies...

In the slim chance there a readers of this blog that have been pining away for an update... the day has come.  I have written loads of entries for this blog but have been too lazy busy to actually post them.

Sad.

Well, here they come.  Some were written as long as a year ago, so forgive any dated references.

Imagine

Madonna – Tsunami Aid-A Concert of Hope (2005):



Neil Young—America a Tribute to Heroes (2001): Neil Young’s voice is so suited to this kind of tune.



John Lennon—Jerry Lewis Labor Day MDA Telethon (1972): I was stunned to find this gem while snooping around YouTube. My only complaint is that this video is only 35 seconds long :(

A Bridge Over Troubled Water

What more can be said about this song? It’s a secular hymn that has become greater than itself. It’s a cliché now, but try to imagine the first time the listening public heard the line, “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down?” It must have been incredible.

Stevie Wonder—Hope for Haiti Now (2010): I attended a Stevie Wonder concert a few months ago (I HIGHLY recommend it) and he is better live, but always reliable for a great performance.



Clay Aiken—Jerry Lewis Labor Day MDA Telethon (2004): When he sang this song on American Idol, it was generally considered to be his best performance (Simon said it made his hair stand on end), so it was fitting when he chose it for this telethon.



Paul Simon—America a Tribute to Heroes (2001): This telethon, held in the wake of September 11, was very popular and the resultant compilation album enjoyed good sales. I guess no one can do it like the original.

Benefit concerts

When I was watching the telethon for Haiti relief, I noticed that a lot of songs are staples at such fundraisers. They seem to reliably evoke certain emotions or express how people feel at such occasions, and so artists keep coming back to them. This will start a series on covers done at benefit concerts.

In the meantime, I found this fascinating article on the history of the telethon, called “A Telethon History.” It’s an interesting read.