Do It Again: Cover Versions Which Should Happen

Laibach

2. Falco’s “Der Kommissar,” performed by Laibach

What could be better than Falco’s 1982 drug-epic song with the most low-budget, unintentionally hilarious video ever? Falco’s almost heroic attempt to run from imaginary cops and “rap” about a drug deal gone bad in an Austrian-flavored German/English hybrid could only be improved by massive pyrotechnics, fire-breathing lead singers, and bombastic industrial dance beats.

Laibach, a Slovenian industrial combo, should also attempt this song, except they already raised the bar with their truly mind-blowing version of Europe’s “The Final Countdown.” This cover version is most remarkable in that it is delivered in all seriousness without a drop of sarcasm. Also, check out Laibach’s video for their cover of Austrian band Opus’ “uplifting” football anthem called “Life is Life.” Laibach should seriously be considered the supreme rulers of all cover bands (even though they do possess original material) for their complete lack of irony.

1. Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Get Down,” performed by Morrissey

Irish singer Gilbert O’Sullivan, in my estimation, is one of the most underrated singers and songwriters ever. He is most famously known for his oddly uplifting dirge about marital desertion and parental death, “Alone Again (Naturally),” although occasionally he got into dance-oriented moods. . . which is where his 1973 song “Get Down” comes into play.

This song almost sounds like Morrissey himself could have gladly and willingly have written it. In the lyrics of “Get Down,” Gilbert likens his overenthusiastic lover to an unruly dog who refuses to be obedient. This amusing subject matter definitely sounds like it could be most discreetly inserted into Morrissey’s song canon without shocking any of his fanbase.

The song is set to a typical early 1970s glam-rock flavored danceable beat, driven by Gilbert’s serviceable piano playing. I would love to see Morrissey covering this song, dressed in a silver spangly jumpsuit while attempting to shimmy to the song’s beats. It is almost as if this song were made for Morrissey, who humorously and sarcastically has dealt with the subject of unwanted (or inappropriate) love many a time!

HONORABLE MENTION: James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” performed by Stephen Malkmus

Stephen Malkmus has delved into folk-rock forays in some of his solo albums after his years in Pavement, but I’d really love to see him tackle this “chestnut” by James Taylor. However, as fans of Malkmus know, it probably wouldn’t be a typical, note-perfect cover of a standard soft-rock song. SM would probably add some of his own lyrics, encompassing the subjects of schizophrenia and fictional historical characters. He would probably add asides like “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain. . . I’ve stolen ashtrays from Indian restaurants. . . ” Fire and rain indeed.

Stephen Malkmus

God only knows what Stephen Malkmus could do with Gordon Lightfoot’s entire song catalog.

Thanks to Steve for inspiration for this article.

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