GOOD COVER/BAD COVER #3 - SOAD vs Incubus

GOOD COVER

Metro
System Of A Down

original:
Metro
Berlin

This is what great punk/metal covers are made of in my opinion. All too often artists associated with the 'Rock World' churn out hammed-up versions of 80's songs for comedic effect however in this rare case SOAD have really made this song their own. A fine balance of staying true to the original without compromising on their own sound, as this song easily fits in with the rest of their back catalogue.

The original by Berlin, who I recently found out aren't even German, is a shamelessly indulgent synth-pop masterpiece about some woman being upset about some guy on a train... and something about a soldier... yeah... but I personally enjoy how the line "I remember hating you for loveing me" is abruptly altered in SOAD's version to "F**K YOU FOR LOVING ME!". How sweet.

BAD COVER

Let's Go Crazy
Incubus

original:
Let's Go Crazy 
Prince

Don't get me wrong, Incubus were a personal favourite of mine for many years. The early albums harked back to the insanity of Mr. Bungle, until they decided on pursuing the Faith No More direction of quirky pop tunes in a slightly more linear rock environment. Their last few albums, well I can't even tell you to be honest, they've obviously said goodbye to idolising Mike Patton and hello to grunge, experimental, southern rock influences that fly around their newer sounds but they're hardly the manic funk phenomenon they used to be.

Upon releasing a greatest hits album a couple of years back, they included a cover of Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" from the "Eighties Pop Bible" also known as "Purple Rain". I'm sorry, but no. Just... no...