La Musica Coolica #82 Kicking of an October full of Guest Posts and Cover Songs

Cover songs. Tribute albums. I know that there are those out there who have a strong distaste for cover songs. Some who feel like it is taking something precious and personal and corrupting it in some way, and therefore ruining it. There are also some who think why should you try and change a good thing? Okay. Cool. I get it… maybe I don’t.
Have you ever heard the phrase: “Mimicry is the most sincere from of flattery?” I guess that when you are singing along with your favorite song on the radio, it doesn’t count… because… you aren’t recording it? I don’t know. I like the idea of somebody taking something they really like, and kind of making it their own. Anyway, I have found some cover songs that I truly enjoy. I sometimes enjoy the original as well, but sometimes not. So… the Soft Cell version made this song famous in 1981. Originally composed by Ed Cobb, “Tainted Love” was first recorded by Gloria Jones in 1965. over the years this song has been covered and put on albums by dozens of artists from a variety of genres. A few notable names, and versions to check out, are Marilyn Manson, The Pussycat Dolls, Max Raabe, and Shades Apart.
My personal favorite rendition of this song (to date) is done by the group “The Living End.” Click here and listen.

Peter Breinholt is a guest contributor for La Musica Coolica, and Jake’s brother. All of Peter’s contributions can be found here | Peter’s personal blog can be found here.