Cover Tunes

I was just walking thru the warehouse where I work and the guys were listening to the local rock station and Manfred Mann’s “Blinded by the Light” was on. As I walked back to my desk (which is no longer in the corner BTW), I started to thinking about cover tunes. I think this is one of the only songs that I like the cover version better than the original by Bruce Springsteen. How do the versions of these songs compare to you?

Come Together – The Beatles vs. Aerosmith
You Really Got Me – The Kinks vs. Van Halen
Turn the Page – Bob Seger vs. Metallica
War Pigs – Black Sabbath vs. Faith No More
Land of Confusion – Genesis vs. Disturbed
Live and Let Die – Wings vs. Guns n’ Roses
Helter Skelter – The Beatles vs. Motley Crue
Love Reign O’er Me – The Who vs. Pearl Jam

As a side note, I really don’t like when a band covers their own song, like Eric Clapton did with Layla, or The Police with Don’t Stand So Close to Me. In most cases the songs were great how they were…………leave them alone.

Songs in Commercials

Everyday I am reminded that I am getting older. Not OLD by any means, but older. A perfect example of this is the type of music that is used in commercials. Over the years, I am finding more and more that songs I grew up with and loved are becoming commercialized (no pun intended). Here are a few examples:

1. Van Halen: You Really Got Me – Back in 1996, when Nissan discontinued the 300ZX, they had made a tribute commercial to the famed “Z” car with Barbie, Ken and GI Joe. Barbie leaves Ken because GI Joe drives a “Z”.
2. The Cars: Just What I Needed – Circuit City has all but killed this song for me. It’s on The Cars debut album (which is their best in my opinion), but I now cringe when I see the commercial and hear the song.
3. Led Zeppelin: Rock & Roll – Cadillac used this song to promote its lineup of cars a couple of years ago. I guess they were trying to change their image. I remember Robert Plant saying that Caddy’s were the ultimate luxury car when he was younger and was honored that they wanted to use a Zep tune in their commercials.
4. The Who: Bargain – Nissan basically used this song to promote whatever deal they had going at the time.
5. AC/DC: Back in Black – When Motorola introduced the Razor phone, it featured this song in their commercial.
6. Black Sabbath: Iron Man – To give the impression of a tough, manly truck, Nissan got the rights to use Iron Man to push their Titan line-up. (Maybe we just need to have a little talk with Nissan).
7. Scorpions: Rock You Like a Hurricane – TGI Friday’s used this one to promote a line up of sizzling steaks they had launched.
8. Van Halen: Hot For Teacher – This one may not be as obvious, but when Dodge got back into NASCAR as few years back, the end of their commercials had a drum beat that was supposed to sound like the rumble of a big block V-8. It actually sounded more like the intro to this VH tune. I think Eddie probably realized it and made them stop because the commercials didn’t run with that ending very long.
9. Bob Seger: Like a Rock – I know everyone remembers this one. Chevrolet used this for a long time to promote their truck lineup.
   

Here’s a link to some others. Can you remember any?

(BTW - The "Z" commercial was one of my favorites)

It's Just Not Right

So as baseball spring training gets rolling, there is a missing player from the Yankees locker room for the first time in 17 seasons: #51 – Bernie Williams. Bernie had been the Yankees starting centerfielder since the 1993 season up thru 2005.

Bernie never had the best arm, but he could get to and catch almost anything hit in his direction. He has a quiet presence in the clubhouse, but a definite role model for baseball and anyone he interacts with. Last year, former Red Sox Johnny Damon was brought in and took over the starting center field job and Bernie was moved to back up outfielder/designated hitter with no complaints. After injures to Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield early in the 2006 season, Bernie again became a part of the everyday lineup, playing all three outfield positions as needed. He had a .281 batting average and a .994 fielding percentage (His career averages are .297 and .990 respectively).

This season, the Yankees have invited Bernie to spring training, but he is not guaranteed a roster spot; a first for him since the early 1990’s. He has not decided to attend yet, but the Yankees offer still stands. His number 51 is being reserved for him. His locker was empty for a few days, but is now reassigned to someone else.

As a Yankee fan, I am disappointed that Brian Cashman (the General Manager), is not treating Bernie with more respect. He was a major part of all four of their last World Series championships. I know he is 38 years old, but he also has proven that he can still play. I do understand that there are only 25 spots on the major league roster. I also know that carrying five outfielders is unusual, but so is having three capable 1st basemen plus a utility infielder. I had hoped that Bernie Williams would have been allowed to retire (which he has not officially decided on yet) with more respect from the Yankees than he is currently receiving.

Cornell Going Solo

Well, after all of the talk about Rage Against the Machine reuniting for a few shows, it seems to be official that Audioslave is no more. Chris Cornell announced that he will no longer be fronting Audioslave. It appears he will be releasing a solo album in the Spring of this year, and pushes off rumors of a Soundgarden reunion.

I was always enjoyed Chris' voice and feel that he is one of the most talented and unique rock singers in the last 25 years. (Ironically enough, as I write this post, Temple of the Dog's "Times of Trouble" just randomly played on my media player). It doesn't matter who is backing him, he sounds awesome and I will continue to be a fan.

I should have bet on this happening!

I guess Sting read my post a few months back and decided to get the Police back together. Last night I watched part of the Grammy’s and I saw them open the show. I have to say that I am happy they’re back together an am looking forward to seeing them tour this year. They sounded very good, but I was a little disappointed in their version of Roxanne. Did anyone else feel this way?

Either way, it should be a great year for rock fans with Van Halen also touring (minus Michael Anthony on bass) with David Lee Roth.

All Star - 2008

I know that the 41st Super Bowl is only three days away, and I should be talking about that, but I have to recognize this one thing. It has been officially announced that the MLB All Star Game with be held at Yankee Stadium in 2008!

I have to say that I am sad that the original stadium (although modified in the early 70's) will no longer be home to the Bronx Bombers, but I'm happy that it will be center stage that day. It has a lot of history and mystique. If you've never been there, do yourself a favor and go to a game before the end of the 2008 season. I've been to all different types of sports arenas, but there is nothing like walking out of one of the runways at Yankee Stadium and knowing that greats like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Thurman Munson, Don Mattingly, and Derek Jeter all played on the same field.

Ok, now for my Super Bowl prediction: Colts over Bears 27-24. I guess we'll see how wrong I am soon enough.