This may make you cry; it may make you laugh; or it may, as it did Sara, make you revile and feel a serious, graven error has occurred.
Canada’s crooner has released another disc with some of rock’s quintessential classics, this time he’s Anka’d a whole new breed of tracks that have graves rolling and people like me grinding my teeth.
Paul Anka released a disc of rock standards done disservice in 2005, when he deafened the world with Rock Swings, which included his ‘interesting’ takes on songs like Nirvana’s anthemic Smells Like Teen Spirit, Van Halen’s iconic Jump, and what should never have been recorded by anyone remotely near the ilk of Anka, Eric Clapton’s Tears In Heaven.
This time Classic Songs, My Way rips into the likes of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, The Killers’ Mr. Brightside, and Marc Cohn’s Walking In Memphis.
I scanned the track titles timidly, fearing that Mr. Anka had lent his bravado to Hello Time Bomb, Everything Is Automatic, or The Future Is X-Rated. Thankfully, Matthew’s music survived this round of attacks.
Don’t get me wrong, Paul Anka is a well spoken, kindly and charismatic guy to hear him, but these recordings are simply disastrous. Furthermore in the case of Eric Clapton’s Tears In Heaven, a harrowing insult. There are just some songs you don’t touch, and given its meaning, purpose for being written, and relationship to Eric and his deceased son, I must say the laughter ends while replaced with a real sense of disgust.
It’s not the first time either that a lounge-esque version of a rock song was done. There’s the case of Wonderwall done by the Mike Flowers Pop Orchestra, and the video that accompanied it, it far exceeds Anka’s version, or anything else he’s got on these discs. There was a small clique of ‘Lounge-Core’ artists in England in the mid-nineties that humorously took shots at some untouchable rock songs. It was done in jest though, unlike Anka’s versions, in which he delivers some deep and very atmospheric songs with a smile you could wipe a camel’s ass with.
I fully realize that in the world of art, everything is eventually mixed and remixed, and through concept and inspiration becomes a part of someone else’s work- that’s called influence. But when Paul Anka takes rock standards and, well sings them like he does, there’s more than meaning being lost in translation. It would seem that a song’s context and identity go by the wayside as well- something which is more horrible than simple pop songs that never had much meaning to begin with being covered or played to death.
In Addition
This article was updated by the author at 10:05pm EST with minor corrections and changes.
Report
Somewhere, in an overly large office overlooking some expensive waterfront, a man in a suit said…
“Well, it worked for Johnny Cash.”
Report
Is Paul Anka trying to steal a page out of the book of Richard Cheese? Seems to me like someone thought this would be a good idea… but whereas Richard Cheese’s act is clearly humourous, Anka’s tries to come off as genuine and it just doesn’t work.
Report
Oh there’s no question that it’s ‘working’ for Anka, but comparing him to Johnny Cash is also a disservice, if you ask me. Johnny’s cover of ‘Hurt’ is well liked among Nine Inch Nails fans, unlike everything Anka has done with regards to the original artists’ work. If you can find me one person who thinks Anka’s Tears In Heaven is anything but an insult, I’d be astonished.
Report
This leads me to conclude that Pat Boone’s album from a few years back, In a Metal Mood, must have sold better than expected.
Yes, that was the album that delivered Pat Boone’s version of Enter Sandman. I kid you not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUTw8osIopc
Report
Oh it’s yet another sad day in the music business, ha ha. I love the crooners of yesterday but I think they need to keep doing what made them stand out in their time. I look forward to original work not so much something that has been done before. Just my opinion but that is what drew me to them in the first place.
Report
Wow. Just… wow.
Report
Hey Dude, Paul’s the SHIT and don’t you ever forget it. Anne Murray’s Tribute to Janis Joplin should be out just before xmas.
Report
I doubt Paul Anka is the first person to cover a song that’s had personal meaning for the original artist.
Report
You’re right literaphile, he’s not- does that make it less of a crime? To me its more to do with the style of the cover and the intention of someone like Anka. Some don’t care about things like this, of course. For me however it was jaw dropping.
Dan, I indeed respect the body of the man’s work and career- he has after all written over 900 songs. But these recent albums are flat out terrifying. Call me a purist or elitist or what have you- I just can’t in the name of all that’s sacred about rock actually respect this.
Report
oh you so have to check out Anka freaking out on his band - “THE GUYS GET SHIRTS!”
Its like a 10 minute audio (one of his band secretly recorded it) it is hysterical - he raves and swears, ya gotta hear it http://www.noisetank.com/integrity/
Report
Oh sweet lord.
Report
So it’s a trick.. on facebook you’re begging begging everyone to check Paul Anka out…. but here on a far more intelligent site you are saying quite the opposite!!!!
Make up your mind Muggy!!! lol
Report
Quoting A Girl Named Boris:
Boone in metal drag was the second thing to come to mind.
The first was Anka’s Molson jingle. “Moooolson Canadian! Laaaaager beer!”
Report
Don’t call me a flip-flopper… it was a facetious comment, Angleboo.
Report
I put on this Depeche Mode Cd the other day not realizing it was a tribute cd… barf.
The only time I’ve seen something work like this is when there was a tribute concert for The Doors,
Report
The man needs to be shot. Plain and simple. Sanatra should have lived and Anka should be buried 6 feet under for ravaging one of the most influential songs of all time.
Report
Dale your problem is that you’re a purist and an elitist and what have you. The only real frustration I have for Paul Anka is that he hasn’t covered Blowin’ In the Wind or Avalanche.
Report
Thanks Sean. Yes, I am an elitist because I think Tears In Heaven should not have been covered by Paul Anka, or anyone else for the matter. And I’m alright with that.
Report
Sorry man, I was just joking. Been a tough day for me, wanted to force a little levity into it.
Report
Would it make a difference to you, Dale, if Eric Clapton had given his blessing to Anka (and for all anyone knows, he may have… I mean, we know he did on a purely legal basis at the very least)?
Report
No worries Sean, I thought so, but still.
Yes, indeed if Eric Clapton gave his blessing it would surely change my opinion. I doubt that’s the case and I doubt we’ll know one way or the other.
Report
LMFAO
All you guys are hilarious.
I was a little offended by the Johnny Cash comment, because I think he was great. When I was a kid I couldn’t figure out the difference between Paul Anka and Bob Barker. Especially when they were sporting similar hair-dos with their leathered tanned skin and “smiles you can wipe a camels ass with.” Maybe it was the dentures? Hehe
I don’t think Paul Anka should do cover songs. Period.
Creating elevator music to rock bands sure is a step in musical evolution. :P
Good Post. I’m still laughing.
Report
Not having heard Anka’s rendition of the song I can’t really say one way or the other (I’d probably agree with you that it’s terrible, most likely), but since you’re much closer to the music industry than I am, perhaps you (or Matt, since his latest album has two covers) might be able to answer this: wouldn’t Eric Clapton, as the writer of the song and thus presumably the holder of some kind of copyright, be able to deny Paul Anka the right to include the song on his album? I mean, I understand that the record companies would be involved at some level as well, but surely Clapton’s songwriting credit would give him the right to say ‘no’ if he really didn’t want the cover out there.
Report
Matt would know best about this, but as far as I know, once the legal conditions have been met with regards to royalties, any artist’s music can be covered. The conditions are different under certain terms depending on the established copyright laws in given countries, publishing rights, etc,.
Report
I just don’t want to hear Mr. Anka do “Like a Virgin”. Lol. Sorry had to throw that one in.
Report
hahaha wow, first I was speechless but then I began laughing. He really kind of destroyed one of rock’s most influential bands’ songs. Kurt will definitely be having a good laugh about that. Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t it Courtney Love that owns all the rights to Nirvana’s music now? If so, she should be shot (haha made a funny) for this.
Oh and Dale if you want to hear an exceptional cover of “Wonderwall”, check out Ryan Adams’ version. Slows it down quite a bit but it is very, very good.
Report
Ryan, the dude also covered Champagne Supernova on The O.C. and it was baaaad, I have to disagree. IMO no one can cover LIam’s voice…
Report
You want to hear remakes truly reinvented? Do a search for songs by “The King.” He’s an Elvis impersonator from Ireland who covers rock classics, Elvis style. His two albums are called Gravelands (where he covers songs by dead rockstars) and Return To Splendor (more classic rock covers).
I won’t link them here, but I’m sure you can root them out online. Hobbits have… ways.
Trust me, dude. It’s a trip.
Report
I agree Ryan M.
Ryan Adams did a pretty good cover of wonderwall.
Report
I’ve heard Ryan’s version, definitely brings something to the song. I don’t want to go anywhere near an Elvis impersonator unless it’s Lance.
Report
Ryan/Becca: Holy , I stand to be corrected…
This was amazing… some clips I still haven’t seen yet,either from The O.C.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV1w9NG5bR0
Report
Okey doke, now would be a good time to say : I’M A LOSER…
Ryan Adams never covered Champagne Supernova on O.C., it was Matt Pond?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crvYFuQxgOs
Report
I think Kurt just rolled over in his grave.
Report
Tanya, Ryan Adams hasn’t covered Champagne Supernova. I believe you’re thinking of the Matt Pond PA version. I didn’t like it either.
Ryan’s cover of Wonderwall is quality, though.
Report
If you’ve got a thing against Elvis himself then those albums won’t change your opinion, but if it’s the idea of a cheesy Elvis impersonation that offends you, then you’re in for a surprise. The songs weren’t just recorded for cheap novelty laughs, they really do answer the question, “If Elvis was alive today, what would he sound like if he covered these songs?” Even the hardcore, old school Elvis fans love these remakes as far as I can tell. At first you’ll laugh because, dude, is that Elvis singing Under The Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers? But it will quickly turn to surprise as you realize the music ain’t half bad! Guaranteed to start a conversation at the very least. (It sounds like you can’t do much worse than that Anka album.)
And while we’re on the topic of covers, I thought Grant Lee Phillips’s album “Nineteeneighties” was awesome. He slows everythinggg riiiiighttt doowwwnnnnnnn. Makes my girlfriend cry.
Anyway, good topic. Glad you brought it up.
Report
“Ryan, the dude also covered Champagne Supernova on The O.C. and it was baaaad, I have to disagree. IMO no one can cover LIam’s voice…”
That was Matt Pond PA, not Ryan Adams. True though, it sucks.
Ryan Adam’s Wonderwall is exceptional, I prefer it, though I think they are both very good.
Report
Thanks, I know, I jumped the gun pretty quick before realizing it was a whole whack of Oasis songs on O.C. this one week; I thought it was the same artist……… I’m sensitive about anyone cover My Boys’ songs….. but Ryan did pretty swell on that cover, man wow….. WOW.
I would like to hear Anka cover ‘Electric’ by Oasis since we’re on both topics… ha ha ha
Report
Cat Power also does a stellar cover of Wonderwall
Report
This whole thread is reminding me of when Will Ferrell used to do Robert Goulet on SNL.
Report
The silver lining is that Paul Anka’s fans will run out and buy the cds of the musicians he covers. Uh, oh…we’d better warn them…
Report
Tanya, nice to see another Oasis fan. I have to admit when I had heard Ryan Adams did a cover of Wonderwall I was not too thrilled since I wasn’t a fan of his to start with and love Oasis. Then I saw the O.C. episode with the song and was like WOW. I agree 100% though that the guy that covered Champagne Supernova butchered it. Probably one of my top 5 favourite Oasis songs and he butchered it. I heard that they couldn’t get permission from the Oasis camp for Supernova so they found some artist to cover it for them haha.
Report
thats just the fucking way it is!!!!
Report
*raises eyebrow*
My comment about Johnny Cash was not comparing Cash to Anka. It was/is my take on the managers who likely thought that having a former hit-maker “revitalize” music worked for Cash, in respect to opening him up to a new audience he may never have attracted before for various reasons, so it would work for Anka. That somehow it was just a formula instead of talent. That it could be applied to any musician and the music would be monumental.
I suppose I’ll just include the paragraph of explanation in the first post from now on.
So now we’re at where his managers are failing to see the significant increase in popularity of All That Is Anka. Now….
Somewhere, in an overly large office overlooking some expensive waterfront, a man in a suit said…
“Well, it worked for Johnny Cash.”
Report
deb,
Kurt Cobain was cremated… ;)
Report
I’m a purist too, I don’t even like it when Page and Plant change their OWN songs, never mind Anka doing what he does with our precious rock music.
When I first heard this in a music store a year or two ago, I was quite confused about what he was trying to say. I’ve been wondering ever since if he is being satirical rather than artistic and making some sort of statement about interpretation and tearing down boundaries and how songs should not ever be considered untouchable or pigeonholed into a specific genre for a specific audience or demographic, etc (see lounge singer performance of Cannibal Corpse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc-V3NYckOI), laughing at everyone who buys the shit while he’s hauling in the easy bucks.
I agree that independent of Anka’s intent, he should show respect for deeply personal tracks and stay away from something like Tears In Heaven.
Personally, I think Cobain would have appreciated the ridiculousness of it. I would be interested in what Cyndi has to say about it–she’d probably laugh it off.
Report
Oh come on, Nirvana? That’s just fucking wrong.
Report
Oh, I almost forgot.
Mark Kozelek, who fronted The Red House Painters and later created Sun Kil Moon, released an album under the Sun Kil Moon moniker called “Tiny Cities”.
It is, in it’s entirety, a collection of cover songs, all originally performed by Modest Mouse. The music itself is acoustically performed, like a singer-songwriter with indie rock tinges and a much more thoughtful and soft delivery of the lyrics than the way Brock does them. I am a huge fan of Modest Mouse (Good News… Is my 3rd Favourite Album of all time), but these songs are brilliantly covered and completely succeed at crossing the genre line. It’s haunting at times.
So yeah, “Sun Kil Moon - Tiny Cities”. In particular check out “Neverending Math Equation”, “Dramamine” and “Ocean Breathes Salty”. It’s not necessarily similar to Matt’s stuff, but I would have a hard time believing that you wouldn’t like those songs if you like Matt’s work. Which clearly you do.
Report
Personally, I think Anka’s covers are hilarious. You have to approach it with a healthy sense of humour. I don’t think he’s intending for people to take these albums ’seriously’.. seems to me he’s just having a little fun. And with a career like his, I suppose he’s earned the right.
Rock on Paul!
Report
On a purely technical level, you have to admit that the execution is done well. IF you like that style of music (which I personally loathe), then the only real thing left to gripe about is the emotional basis and possible controversy over whether certain songs are “appropriate” to be covered in that way. Thankfully, it sounds like Dale is commenting on the latter, rather than attacking the quality of the lounge covers themselves (relative to other lounge music).
Personally, I wouldn’t mind it so much if his entire onstage persona didn’t appear to consist of some overly smarmy camera-mugging douchebag.
Perhaps Anka heard the title of Nirvana’s “Lounge Act” and thought it was a sign.
Report
Quoting Miss Emily:
Exactly, you nailed it….I’d thought to myself as I watched the clip, “this reminds me of someone”. And you’ve got it right…wasn’t he the best on SNL? (I also loved his cow bell.)
Thanks Charmaine…just a figure of speech as, “rolled over in his urn” just doesn’t have the same ring to it. ;)
Report
I actually heard that Nirvana cover while dining in a fine restaurant where my meal was well over a day of my pay. I laughed pretty hard.
Report
Quoting HalifaxRedemption:
well said, couldn’t have said it better myself.
and tiananmen…fitting, isn’t it?
Report
HAHAHAHHAHAAHAHHAHAHA
WOW. How does Anka do it with such a straight face and too much fake tan?
The best is the very beginning: “Nirvana. (insert convincing eye brow raising) Yes, Nirvana!”
My bestfriend is flying in from Toronto this afternoon, and boy, will she love this.
Thanks, Dale- you rock!
Report
Nobody can cover Liam’s voice? Thom Yorke did a good job!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=m2PpTuh9RvE
There are many things that I would
Like to sing to you
I don’t know how….
Report
deb,
S’all good… Doesn’t the story go that Courtney had his ashes with her at an airport and she was snorting them and carrying them in zip lock bags in some silly backpack like a nut before getting the rest of his ashes molded into little Buddhas.
So crazy that it is probably true… and doesn’t surprise me.
Report
She probably mixed them with heroin and shot him up hoping it would make her talented.
It did not.
Report
Quoting Ryan M.:
Quoting Ryan M.:
Ryan, NO WAY!!!! Thanks for telling me all this. Because when I watched it I thought the EXACT same thing.. Why are they covering Champagne Supernova and airing that version, are you freaking kidding me? So, the bad boys of rock declined their song on the number 1 song on tv at the time. ha ha ha typical.. that’s my boys.
I’m overly open to hearing Ryan Adams cover it now… I’ve never been this open to any cover but DAMN!!! I fell asleep to the sounds of him singing Wonderwall….
Now for my eating crow moment:
I had never heard him sing Wonderwall yet until last night (because I missed that episode of O.C.) but I assumed it was the same guy that sang the other one and was immediately remembering the bad taste in my mouth….MAN, WAS I EVER WRONG ON THAT ONE…
Ryan, nice to meet cha!!!!!!! Have you heard the new Oasis song that got released last week? Did you see them in concert here in Van 2 years ago? Did you get Stop the Clocks with the bonus dvd…. oh the boys in interviews, i love it… they need subtitles cuz of their accent… oh to be a fly on the wall in their world.
Sorry, I guess I should email you this…… anyone wanna talk Oasis, click my name… tee hee
Report
oh man.. when will i learn to quote a comment correctly…
Dale, please don’t whack me. I’ll behave.
Report
ha ha ha, I am laughing my ass off at the Courtney Love comment and the other Nirvana stuff, urn, turning in grave. ha ha ha……
This thread has taken on a life of it’s own…
Thanks Dale you made my day…
Especially since I woke up for the 10th year realizing Michael Hutchence really is gone… My god, when will I stop waking up and forgetting he’s gone….
One of their more under rated songs that I played alot yesterday….. Beautiful song…
crank it up and remember:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh1t0POx5Tw
Michael Hutchence, I hope I pass you on the stairs someday…..
Report
Quoting nayr2:
Clearly, Thom Yorke is a genius.
As for Anka… *deep breath*. I downloaded and had a quick listen to his version of Tears in Heaven and I have to side with you on this one Dale. He robs the song of its meaning and it makes me feel gross inside.
Report
Quoting nayr2:
Will check it out!!!!
I’m having an INXS kind of day In Excess………
I can’t believe how many people love these guys. Well, I can, but check out this concert:
Paul Anka, cover the Original Sin, I dare ya:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxbmQw2qNAA
Report
Not too shabby…….
Lmao at the comments on there though.lol
Report
Put a guy on a stamp and he thinks he can get away with anything…
http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/collecting/default-e.asp?stamp=recartists
Eww.
Report
Quoting deb:
oh, I pretty much couldn’t stop laughing and the people I was with probably regretted taking me, not only had I broken dress code but I was acting like a complete idiot
Report
PAUL ANKA IS THE DEVIL - THE LIVING DEVIL !
Report
Having now contemplated this for the better part of the day - for which I have neither explanation nor excuse - I have concluded that Paul Anka, Pat Boone, et al are just victims. Let’s place the blame where blame is due, with the original sinner himself:
William Shatner and “Rocket Man”.
In the words of Dr. McCoy, “Damn you, Jim.”
Report
I must disagree; while Shatner’s “Rocket Man” (and Nimoy’s bizarre croonings) are in themselves a form of (amusing) evil, there’s a difference. Those are examples of “actors” venturing outside their accepted skillsets, into singing (a term I use loosely in their cases). Anka is just venturing outside of his genre, and it’s not a happy trip. For any of us.
Report
Quoting Dale Mugford:
Actually, Noel Gallagher remarked that he was quite fond if it, and that it was closer to what he envisioned for the song than what Oasis ended up recording in the studio.
Report
Seriously. Sun Kil Moon, the album “Tiny Cities”.
Genre crossing covers done RIGHT.
If nothing else listen to Sun Kil Moon - Ocean Breathes Salty.
Report
One has to ask one’s self…..do Camels routinely have their asses wiped with smiles?
Report
Tanya: No, I have not heard their new song yet, I intend to download ASAP. Didn’t get a chance to see them in Vancouver as I live in Manitoba and that’s a fair hike haha. Stop the Clocks I actually boycotted. That’s right, they left “Don’t Go Away” off of it and that being one of my favourites, I felt it wasn’t a greatest hits if that song wasn’t on the cd. I intend to make my own Oasis Greatest Hits lol. I also wasn’t a big fan of Lyla. Always enjoy their interviews because they really don’t care about censorship lol. Great stuff!
Report
Quoting Duane Storey:
Oh that probably PISSED Liam off!!! BLEEPING BLEEPING BLEEPING BLOODLY WELL FRICKING MADE HIM THROW SOMETHING AT NOEL…..
lmfao
Report
Quoting Ryan M.:
Actually I couldn’t agree more about that cd they left off ALOT like Right here now, Cast no shadow and Electric, only 2 mention 3. I felt like the album is just getting going right when the last song starts playing, (my favourite - Don’t look back in Anger)… I just love the bonus dvd….
Oh boy, I could talk about this for hours, dude.
p.s. another cover I quite enjoyed many many years ago was A song by Echo and the Bunneymen on the Lost Boys soundtrack.. People are Strange by the Doors….
Report
p.s. another cover I quite enjoyed many many years ago was A song by Echo and the Bunneymen on the Lost Boys soundtrack.. People are Strange by the Doors….
Yeah, it was a cool track, even if they only used it ’cause they didn’t want to pay for the rights to the actual Doors version.
Report
I’ve got to stop assuming everyone lives in Vancouver…. Sorry Ryan.. is it snowing in Manitoba? It snowed where I live in Vancouver, yesterday… ouch, not big on the cold……
Report
Quoting Frozen Tex:
What a bunch of crap… I hate hearing stories like that… That movie had big names in it, they could afford Ray Manzerik and the boys. Plus the album IMO is probably one of the great soundtracks out there and probably made it’s money, yet I’m sure it’s long gone forgotten… SAD.
Report
Soooooo do the guys get shirts? Oh! And seriously, where IS Joe?!?!
Report
Paul Anka belongs in casinos where listeners are too drunk to remember and there is the possibility that someone might throw a beer bottle at his head.
Report
Well, there’s nothing else for it. Someone is going to have to death-metalify Anka’s back catalog. There’s just no negotiating with terrorists like that.
Report
If Kurt Cobain saw that video from wherever he is… he’s probably thinking “Yeah, I have no regrets.”
Report
Haha! I love the lounge version of “Sickness” in Dawn of the Dead. I laugh til I cry.
Report
Quoting FishAreAlright:
Ha, agreed.
I say we let Marilyn Manson do it though - not really “death metal”, but I think it could work.
Report
“Calender Girl” as interpreted by… Sepultura!
Report
I still find all of this more as a joke than an insult. I have never been a fan of covers in any respect, but covers like this are up on the same level as William Shatner’s spoken word versions of classic songs. More or less hilarious and nothing to be taken seriously.
Report
Quoting Tanya:
Yep, I knew it.. for days I kept thinking I named an Oasis song wrong….. I meant to say ‘D’you know what I mean’.. not ‘Right here now’… I think I have Van Halen on the brain…….
Report
Has anyone heard Pat Boone’s version of Holy Diver, I think it is pretty good!
It’s a good cover, now I might even get that CD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxjoZIm2XGo&feature=related
The only reason this one rocks is because it has the “real” part in the background, it wasn’t a total change to tempo, feel etc…