“Look at the way we gotta hide what we’re doin’ / Cause what would they say if they ever knew, and…” Hey readers, in keeping up with the theme of last week’s post (see: Part I) I’m continuing my love for Tommy James & The Shondells and classic songs that stand the test of time. Plus, you know you’re dealing with a classic song when The Chipettes put out a rendition, a pre-Black Eyed Peas‘ Fergie does it, and it’s spoofed by “Weird Al” Yankovic on his 1988 album Even Worse, as “I Think I’m A Clone Now.” I kid you not. So, welcome back to Under Cover: “I Think We’re Alone Now,” (Part II).
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Snuff cover (1991)
I love a good punk rock cover, even though most of the time they aren’t that great (I’m talking to you, Screeching Weasel) and do more damage to the original than it deserves. Come to think of it, this may often times be intentional on the part of the quintessential punk rock band! British punk rockers Snuff sped up the rhythm, added wailing guitars, off-kilter background vocals, yet still found a way to put out something fun and danceable. I could totally picture a live band playing this song at a rocker wedding reception as a way to get everyone on the floor. In my research I found that one of the best punk rock cover bands, Me First And The Gimme Gimme’s, put out their own version, but I couldn’t find it to share it with you guys. If anyone finds an mp3 of it, feel free to send it over. Judging from their other covers, I’m fairly certain it’s great.
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Guster cover (2000’s)
Boston boys Guster never fail to disappoint at their live shows, sometimes playing for hours and hours for their die-hard fans until the venue starts flashing the lights warning it’s time to go home. Although the quality of this live mp3 is a tad subpar, it was definitely still worth sharing because it captures the fun and interactive spirit of a Guster show: hysterical band members, witty banter, and an audience that is prepared to scream along to the tunes (of course they know all their songs by heart!). Never ones to shy away from vocal harmony and acoustic guitar, they put their own spin on “I Think We’re Alone Now” with some generous tambourine and fast strumming that makes you want to dance and sing along. Thank you Guster for reminding us of the excitement associated with an impromptu live cover song and how it can enhance an already awesome musical experience. And I will most definitely see you at your next show!
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Girls Aloud cover (2006)
What the hell is up with European girl groups and awful dance music!? They certainly leave no good song alone and will most certainly jump on any opportunity to completely butcher something better left untouched. I also don’t understand why these groups achieve chart success with their cover songs (often times surpassing the original rock versions)… who are buying these CD’s!? Anyway, songstresses Girls Aloud put out their uber-cheesy dance track and (prepare to laugh your bum off…) actually performed it at a British nightclub called G-A-Y. I swear to you I couldn’t make this shit up if I tried! This no-frills, banal, over-processed cover is so awful that it actually makes me want to off myself, or someone else. In fact, it’s impossible to watch their video and not want to punch one of them, any of them. Why are there, like, 15 members in this group when only, like, one or two are actually needed to sing?!  I recall a famous Seinfeld episode where Jerry claimed mentally disturbed people with failed suicide attempts are in the worst positions since not being able to successfully complete the deed likely adds to their overall life dissatisfaction. Don’t you fret! This cover will sufficiently impair your desire to listen to music. And live. So, I’m sure turning up this dance version will get rid of that pesky little aforementioned problem.
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The Birthday Massacre cover (2008)
Just when I start to trust Canada again, they find a reason to push me away! Toronto natives The Birthday Massacre released a synthpoptastic cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” because, well, everyone else seems to be doing it, so I guess that’s why. I mean, you can’t really expect much when their “guitar and programming” band member is named Rainbow. And what’s with their bloodied Catholic school ensembles? They look like rejects from the casting call for Britney Spears‘ “…Baby One More Time” video.  The lead female vocals are sweet and not annoyingly saccharine, which makes this song tolerable. The industrial-esque feel and pulsating dance beats sound like something straight out of a New Order song gone terribly wrong, but we’ve all heard worse I’m sure (unfortunately). In a Sophie’s Choice, gun-to-the-head moment, I’d definitely pick this track over the Girls Aloud version, but I’m not sure that is saying much about either song. Man, I really hope it never comes down to that.
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And lastly, for my geekier, fun-fact lovin’ readers, check this out… as I was writing last week’s “I Think We’re Alone now” (Part I), American pop rockers The Rubinoos were playing their own cover (1977) live in Madrid at that very moment. Now THAT is awesome.
