Saturday Covers #32

Today's cover version has been floating round the blogosphere for some time, but I felt it was time to bring it up on my own blog. That, and... I'm too lazy to do much else.

Pulp's Common People is possibly one of the only songs I've listened to without finding a tiny bit of criticism for it. I'm ridiculously biased of course, Pulp being one of my all-time favourite bands, but it's just a pure stroke of genius isn't it? Listening to everyday Jarvis Cocker whine about his interesting experiences with a dreadfully misinformed girl - it's the "kitchen sink" lyrics that make the track for me. That and the fact that I'm in love with Pulp.

Not a lot to say about it of course, as if you're anyone who's anyone you'll have this track right up on your list of favourites. I sincerely hope so. Please?

Pulp - Common People (mp3, 5.4mb)



William Shatner's (aka Captain Kirk) cover is somewhat... strained. It starts off quite well, with some sythesised "beeps" replacing Pulp's own synthesised efforts (although Shatner must have bought the falsetto model of the particular synth). But this impressive start is somewhat ruined when Shatner begins talking. Yes, talking, not singing. Shatner simply "narrates" over music. For this reason, it's not really justified to say it's his own cover - I expect he had no involvement in the musical side of things. Although Common People is essentially a mini-novel (I wouldn't buy it, don't worry), narrating it while trying to keep in roughly the right place with the music doesn't work for me. What does work for me, however, is when you get past that, to one of the best instrumental breaks I've had the pleasure of listening to. Distorted guitars accompanied by a synth is so, so good. Oh, and to top it off, he's got what sounds like several school choirs and the entire cast of Star Trek singing along! It's pure brilliance, and I love it. And did I mention Joe Jackson's in it? Although his accent doesn't really "fit in," it's still great to hear a real musician - at least now the musical brilliance doesn't have to be credited to an actor who most likely had little to do with it. The combiantion of Joe Jackson, synthesisers, guitars, and several hundred kids' voices singing a Pulp song is absolutely incredible... but then you realise it's still got Will Shatner "talking" along to it.

If you ask me, Shatner's trying too hard. He's had his fame, he's been internationally recognised, it's time for him to step down. He's 77 years old now, don't remember. He's not battling on Enterprise-B anymore. If this cover had been purely Joe Jackson's work, I wouldn't have been so critical. Let's be honest, it's great fun to listen to when it gets going. It just doesn't really need Shatner.

William Shatner & Joe Jackson - Common People (mp3, 4.6mb)

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Pulp -- William Shatner -- Joe Jackson

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