^ I was surprised to learn that the Kingsmen, who sing the best-known version of "Louie Louie," were this straight-laced looking band of white boys. I wouldn't have guessed that from listening to their song:
The Kingsmen - "Louie Louie"
I prefer their version, but I'd say second-best is the cover by Paul Revere and the Raiders, who still sounded a little indignant in 1986 that their 1963 cover of "Louis Louis" got beat out by the Kingsmen's. Hey, at least they were still performing it more than 20 years later!
Paul Revere and the Raiders - "Louie Louie" (performing in 1986)
* * *
Now on to my current song obsession:
THE ORIGINAL: "Goodbye To You" by Scandal (Patty Smyth)
A great song, Scandal's "Goodbye to You" has a driving beat that makes you want to dance, and excellent, sassy, emotional vocals by Patty Smyth, who sings them with attitude and strength. No cover comes close.
Scandal;Patty Smyth - Goodbye To You - YouTube
1st Place Cover: Alvin and the Chipmunks - "Goodbye To You"
It's memorable. I'll give it that. I don't like it, but I'll remember it:
2nd Place Cover: The Veronicas -- "Goodbye to You"
The Veronicas do a fine job, I suppose, but this dance-pop version just doesn't catch my interest like the original. I think it sounds too pretty and over-worked with all its sweet duets and instrumental fireworks. Sounds like a Disney channel song:
3rd Place Cover: Allison Smith - Kate and Allie - "Goodbye To You"
A fairly insipid, pleasant cover, it tries to match the original but lacks its pep and punch: