For a long time, I have said that there needs to be a really proper punk cover of Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” I mean really, any song that starts off, “Blame it all on my roots/I showed up in boots/and ruined your black-tie affair”? Come ON.
Okay, I said that a lot a long time ago, haven’t thought of it in years. But I remembered today, randomly, and decided to find out if there was one. And I’m extremely gratified to discover that not only has some band called Virus Nine had the same good idea, but that their cover is available on iTunes. I haven’t been able to buy it yet (annoyances from the post-stolen-wallet thing, since they only want a credit card with a US address, my new ones are with my J’lem address, don’t feel like dealing with changing it right now blah blah blah) but more than anything, I’m just happy that it’s out there in the world, kicking the appropriate amount of tush.
While your vision is indeed excellent, the execution is far from perfect.
The Ramones would have nailed the song, Virus Nine dude can’t sing it right.
It made me start thinking of the Ataris version of “Boys of Summer”, though. (Out on the road today/I saw a Black Flag sticker on a Cadillac). That was a good cover.
Oh, I am really not a fan of that “Boys of Summer” cover at all. That one line change was cute, but the rest of it sounds like overly-produced power-pop-punk that’s too heavy on the pop and not enough on the other stuff. Glad you enjoy it though–different strokes and all that.
As for the Virus Nine song, like I said I haven’t had the chance to listen to the whole thing yet. I’m just glad that somebody has gone and done it. (From a Google, it looks like there could be another cover or two out there, but I wasn’t able to locate them, so dunno for sure…..)
due to my recent itunes obsession… i sent it to you as an email attachment. didja get it? -han