MFF appears on the Talking Heads 5th official release, the 1983 album Speaking In Tongue’s and of course on one the greatest music DVDs of all time: Stop Making Sense.
[youtube]https://youtube.com/watch?v=YXMNpYMGyck[/youtube]
Addison Groove Project: AGP has welcomed Trey Anastasio for a performance of this tune during the final days of the original Higher Ground in Winooski, VT. But that’s not the one I chose, as I wanted to give you a straight-up AGP version. For a little cross-Cover Wars pollination, you can check out the Umphrey’s show at CBGB in 2006 where Rob Marscher joined the band on an already tiny and crowded stage for the fitting cover given the history of rock in the room. But enough about other versions of the song, the one I selected is also real good and you can of course: Check out the whole show on The Archive.
God Johnson: I’m not too familiar with these guys and I’m not going to lie, I was skeptical if they were going to hold up against this week’s competition. But I was blown away at their arrangement of this tune after downloading it. Without a doubt the closest voice to that of David Byrne in this week’s contestants. Check out the whole show on The Archive
Scarecrow Collection: No doubt still fuming from their defeat to Mr. Blotto in the 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover Cover Wars, SC hopes to re-enter the race with a bang. The synth tones in the chorus are great in this one. Check out the whole show on The Archive.
Umphrey’s McGee: UM recorded it for the tribute album Up All Night: Jammin’ To The Talking Heads and first performed the song live at The Skyline Stage at Navy Pier in 2004. Since then it’s been a staple in their cover repertoire, and most certainly a fan favorite. The version included was released as part of Podcast 19 and the outro jam features some improvised lyrics courtesy of Brendan Bayliss. Check out all of Podcast 19
That’s it, I’m taking it easy on you this week as there’s only 4 versions to choose from. Be sure to vote once at home and then again at work.
11 Responses
sorry neeko. had to go with UM on this one
Love this song! Really some great versions up here. Was torn, but had to go with Umph on this one, but I did vote for Scarecrow Collection for the Jammys. Really enjoy this column.
Whenever i am at an SCC show and close my eyes when Nick takes the helm of this song I come to one and only one conclusion: I want to move to Vermont with him, carry 3 out 4 of his children to term and open up a bait shop.
What I am saying is: he fucking nails it hard, and long.
UM, my favorite lyrical stew to date came after that one. “let me smile, let me laugh, let the good times pass, then I’m gone”
I have a topic for HT – Why does every jamband cover the Talking Heads?
I mean, other than the fact that the Talking Heads are one of the best bands ever.
Not a hater on AGP or Scarecrow here, but the Umph (both on this edition and live) editions are excellent…
nice selection this week HT.
Nice question Jennifer. I’d rephrase it to be,
“Why does every jamband cover the Talking Heads, Pink Floyd & The Beatles but many are scared to death of the third-rail of the jamband scene: The Phish”
gotta go with umph on this one. saw them play this with Kyle from SCI sometime in 2005.
umph also just made a sbd of the 4-08-2008 show available for free on the LMA (rawking second set with sick jams going into N2F and returning to ringo):
http://www.archive.org/details/um2008-04-08.umlive.flac16
i think the reason nobody covers phish is because it’s too soon. all those other bands are now defunct. and everbody hopes (knows?) phish isn’t done yet
third rail of the jamband scene? haha…good call, daveo!
p.s. i voted for neeko…and quimby!