Covering an electro-pop gem like La Roux's Bulletproof is always going to be a tough challenge, but it's just what ex-Pussycat Doll, Melody Thornton and duet partner Bobby Newberry (anyone?) have attempted to do.
Taking the song down a "darker" route, the pair have transformed the feisty and energetic tune into a melodramatic, emo anthem that had zero emotional impact on moi- perhaps I'm dead inside. The crescendo vocals at the end of the track also get a little too messy for my liking.
Don't even get me started on the video or Bobby Newberry's make-up. You know you've gone too far with it when your skin looks more flawless, and your lips more glossy than your female co-star.
Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of this. Perhaps someone can help me out.
The original La Roux Version:
Didn't know this song but have to say the original is infinitely better than that cover. Which is EXACTLY the kind of stuff I imagine when I hear the term "emo".
ReplyDeleteI don't think you are the one dead inside, the makers of that cover are! That's why you don't feel anything with it either. Well that and the fact that if you use that much "work" on vocals it creates way too big an emotional distance to work as a ballad.
And add to that a horrible screeching which is sure to vaporize any emotion the listener might feel in spite off, well......... that cover just sucks monkey balls.
i agree the original is so much better
ReplyDeleteWow, today I heard this song in a store, and I was like, "this song is great, I wonder what it's called." Anyway, now I know, thanks, DD!
ReplyDeleteAs for the cover (I seem to be alone on this) but I really loved it! I think it's just a great song, anyway. But I can't help but agree on the ending- it got a little out of control. I can't speak for the video because I didn't watch it, but your comments make me wanna watch it! The black and white does kinda make it over the top melodramatic.
Are you a fan of Melody ? Can you shed any light on who "bobby" is? But hey, I'm glad I helped you name the song! :)
ReplyDeleteDon't hold back, Opie! ;) Lol!
ReplyDeleteOkay, next time I won't ;D
ReplyDeleteWell you use it well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I try ;)
ReplyDeleteHell to the no, I'm not a fan of Melody. I hate the Pussycat Dolls. And I have no idea who Bobby is. I just think it's the kind of song that's gonna be great no matter how it's sung or arranged.
ReplyDeleteMaybe when La Roux's second album comes out, DD might consider a vocal profile for Elly Jackson, girl definitely deserves this!
ReplyDeleteI actually loved it. Melody and this Bobby character are great voices. And if you don't watch them, the song sounds more heart wrenching. Always been a Melody fan. Great to finally see her making a music post-PCD.
ReplyDeleteObviously they have tried to do something new with it, and its worked and its also not! I like the acoustic take but yes the vocals do get messy as they try to overpower eachother! As for the video (yawn) not even this 'Bobby Newberry' and his pretty boy looks (he is hot though lol yummy) make it interesting to look at (I do like his voice though).
ReplyDeleteBut yeh the original is best, just that Elly Jackson annoys me somewhat, I dont know if its just because she is always scowling!
Ohoh! A fan of the Civil Wars? They are awesome. And any cover they do is both acoustic and well done. How about that cover of Cohen's "Dance Me To The End Of Love"? Or that cover of "I want You Back"? And on top of that they write great songs themselves.
ReplyDeleteHahaha Glad to be of service Stuey. Seeing as of course I was not distracted by the dude in the least, I guess it struck me a bit quicker.
ReplyDeleteHahaha indeed, my bad! lol I guess my love of diva's has been of a more constructive manner due to that fact they don't distract me for that reason! But being on the safe side I would appreciate if you keep me right in future ;)
ReplyDeleteNot sure that's a "bad". Only said something because I feel strongly about the proper use of "acoustic". Don't want to take you away from enjoying hot guys. Certainly that's a better use of your time than listening to their rendition ;)
ReplyDeleteThey have my permission to do so. ;D
ReplyDeleteI kinda liked the ending, but am I the only one who thinks the music video comes across as a cheap knock-off of the "Take Care" - Drake/Rihanna video?
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I never thought about that, it does remind me of the "Take Care" video.
ReplyDeleteIt also reminds me very much of an old Dutch video. Only wish I could remember the title..or even the band name. LOL Been driving me crazy since I first saw the above vid.
ReplyDeleteI agree, in my (controversial) opinion Melody is a far superior vocalist! Nice is just a little prettier that's all, but then that's American marketing for you!
ReplyDeleteAll I can think is....I wish that the Civil Wars had covered this instead, as these two certainly seem to have been 'inspired', evident by a similar style of video and similar harmonies.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting song to pick for an acoustic version though. The screaming at the end is a bit much, reminds me of Alicia Keys and Jack Black in that awful James Bond song they did a couple of years back.
I agree with you about the video though DD - he looks like Jude Law in A.I. = plastic fantastic. Scary.
Ha! I am no Pussycat Doll fan either....they kind of sent out a bit of a toxic message to young women! Also I didn't like the way that they had a talent show on tv to find an extra Pussycat Doll, then seemingly never used her. I also prefer girl bands where the lead vocal is shared more....Melody has a good voice, it's a shame that it always seemed to be Nicole hogging the lead on the singles.
ReplyDeleteI wish that last sentence was going on the cd cover.
ReplyDeleteLol plastic fantastic, like a Stepford Husbandesque!
ReplyDeleteLol Opie! You rock my world, yeh true. It has taken me several listens (I have been more interested in perving on the dude) haha but yeh it is like fake acoustic, tries to sound like a live instrumental and falls flat on its face there!
ReplyDeleteNot acoustic when it's that processed and uses electronic instruments though, is it?
ReplyDeleteI stoped it at 38 sec!!!!!
ReplyDelete