“Not Ready to Make Nice” – The Dixie Chicks

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

OK, it’s been several years since the controversial remarks about Bush Jr., the recorded response about said remarks, and the Grammies awarded for said recorded response. How does this song hold up once we’ve been removed from the early-mid-2000s? My answer: Brilliantly. Beautifully. Magnificently. This song is a classic and another example of producer Rick Rubin’s genius of being able to capture the true essence of whatever artist he works with (from Run DMC to L.L. Cool J to the Beastie Boys to the Cult to Danzig to Slayer to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Johnny Cash to Neil Diamond) and helping them sound like the artist they believe they are in their hearts and minds. The middle break where Natalie sings about threats and “Shut up and sing or your life will be over” still puts chills up my spine.

“Both Sides Now” – Judy Collins

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

Aside from “Send in the Clowns,” this cover of Joni Mitchell’s classic song is arguably Sweet Judy Blue Eyes’ most famous song. I first heard this on the radio when I was 7 years old, on some errand with my father. When the song was over, I remember telling my Dad “I really like that song.” My Dad smiled and said “I really like that song too.” No smirk. No smart alecky comment. Just a genuine mutual appreciation of a great song.

“Stay Away” – Charles Bradley & The Menahan Street Band

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

One of my favorite covers EVER! Imagine Wilson Pickett coming back from the grave and singing his a– off, covering a Nirvana song. Yes, this is as awesome as it sounds and THIS is how you cover a Nirvana song. Kurt is surely smiling (and dancing) wherever he is.

“Don’t Tear Me Up” – Mick Jagger

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

More genius from producer Rick Rubin. Mick Jagger’s solo stuff has ranged from the sublime (“Memo from Turner”) to the ridiculous (“Let’s Work”). This one is on the sublime end of the horizon. From Jagger’s almost-forgotten RIck Rubin-produced 1993 album “Wandering Spirit.”

“She Watch Channel Zero” – Public Enemy

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

A terrific marriage of rap and thrash metal and the first PE song that hooked me. The guitar riff comes from Slayer’s “Angel of Death.” Producer Rick Rubin is a genius.

“Jet Boy” – The New York Dolls

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

A great lip-sync performance by the Dolls from Britain’s “Old Grey Whistle Test” from 1973.

“Brickfield Nights” – The Boys

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

Great English power pop from the late 1970s. I love the opening which rips off The Ronettes’”Be My Baby” (in a great way). I also love the line about the girls with “their makeup never quite right.”

“Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except For Me and My Monkey” – Fats Domino

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

Fats Domino does a killer version of this deep track off the Beatles’ “White Album.”

“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” – Bryan Ferry

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

In my opinion, Bryan Ferry gets better as he gets older. The world-weary Serge Gainsbourg persona suits him pretty well and he really covers Dylan with class and taste, especially this rambunctious cover of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” I couldn’t find the terrific studio version from 2002’s “Frantic” on YouTube, so this decent live version will have to suffice.

“Walk on the Wild Side” – Lou Reed from “Live: Take No Prisoners” (1978)

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Dave's Strange World

An almost 17-minute live version of “Walk on the Wild Side” where Reed takes various breaks to talk about the genesis of this rock classic, along with other topics that are on his mind or get on his nerves (i.e. rock critics). A really funny and interesting analysis by an artist of his work.