| I recently gave my WinAmp playlists a runthrough, which, admittedly, I haven't done in nearly a year (been listening to my CDs, talk radio, and 107.7 The End). (As a second paranthetical note, I don't listen to my ipod as much as I used to. Hmm.)
Anyway, I think it is safe to say that generally, a remake of a former hit song will suck more than the original.
In no means am I implying that these renditions are better than the originals (with the exception of Eva Cassidy), but they are surprisingly good in my opinion. Try to let go of the feelings/opinions you had of the original version as you listen; a lot of these took more than two spins for me to warm up to them.
Eva Cassidy -- Fields of Gold
I never liked the original song, recorded by Sting in the early 90s. However, a choirmate of mine introduced me to this artist, whom I now hold in my top 5 favorite vocalists. This song was a pleasant surprise -- it also, apparently, brought tears to Sting when he heard Cassidy's version for the first time. Quite a feat when a stranger is singing your own work, eh?
Jamie Cullum -- Frontin'
Forget Pharrell... even though I liked the debut of this song right off the bat, Cullum takes it to new heights. I strongly believe, however, that not everyone will agree with me! This one took me four or five turns to warm up to. Oh well, just try it.
Jamie Cullum -- High and Dry
It's hard to remake a song that many hold to be one of Radiohead's best singles, especially in a jazz fashion. This one works, however.
Herbie Hancock -- A Song for You (Ft. Christina Aguilera)
I admit that I used to love Christina in middle school, but now it drives me nuts that her speaking voice is entirely different than her singing voice. She has an impressive voice nonetheless. I've adopted a love for the Carpenters from my parents, so it was hard for me to give this one a go, especially since I am of the opinion that in music, GENERALLY, simple and precise command of the instrument is better than complex and distracting performance. I was wrong with this one. Christina communicates volumes of emotion that Karen comparatively whispered. Impressive.
Anyway, I'm not asking for feedback (unless you have some other good remakes that deserve a listen :)) -- just wanted to share some of my musical nerd thoughts with you all.
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| "
There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is
a variation of theft... When you kill a man, you steal a life. You
steal his wife's right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When
you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat,
you steal the right to fairness... There is no act more wretched than stealing.
"
--Kite Runner.
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| Lately I've been realizing how fortunate I am to have the people in my life that I do. I really love my families, all of them. :) Thank you -- you know who you are.
Also, http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyoutakeinafight.com/ . AMUSING!
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| I thought this was Jon Chan the first time I saw it. (from here)
 
Hahah. I think all I'm posting now is amusement.
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