Covers: Think

“Think” was originally recorded by The “5” Royales.  It is an excellent record but unusual only for Lowman Pauling’s guitar playing which was ahead of it’s time.

James Brown’s 1960 cover was revolutionary.  He completely redoes the song in a much faster tempo.

Steve Cropper also covered it on his 2011 album Dedicated – A Tribute to the 5 Royales.

The “5” Royales are not nearly as well known as they should be.  Two of their best songs, “Think” and Dedicated to the One I Love” are better known in cover versions. This comprehensive box set is very impressive.

Mexico won’t pay for the wall

How much clearer does Mexico have to make it that they won’t pay for Trump’s stupid and unpopular wall?  Is it a good idea to damage relations with a neighboring country?  Now, Mexico’s president won’t visit the US soon and I don’t blame him.

A Quinnipiac poll from early February shows that 37% support the wall while 59% oppose it.  Other polls are similar.  Trump would reduce funding for proven methods to protect the border to pay for the wall.

Think about it – if Mexico is sending us their criminals (like Trump claims), why would they pay for a wall that would make them keep the bad guys?  Sad!

Covers: (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love And Understanding

Nick Lowe wrote “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love And Understanding” and recorded it as a member of Brinsley Schwarz in 1974.

Lowe later produced Elvis Costello’s version, recorded in 1978 as a b-side of a single and added to the 1979 American release of his album Armed Forces.  This is the best known version and it certainly is more forceful than any other one I know.

It was also recorded in 2017 by Los Straitjackets; they have backed Lowe up in concerts.

Finally, I found a ragged but entertaining all-star version led by Bruce Springsteen in 2004.

Brinsley Schwarz (1974)

Elvis Costello (1978)

Los Straitjackets (2017)

Bruce Springsteen (2004)

https://reclinernotes.com/2022/09/18/whats-so-funny-about-peace-love-and-understanding/