Posted in: Musicouching by fivegoldstars on November 29, 2009 | 11 Comments
Scottish singing phenomenon and Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle has added her name to the growing list of artists to cover the Stones classic track, Wild Horses. But how does her effort rank alongside previous versions of the song?
For a woman who made her name singing songs from the shows on a well-known Saturday evening talent contest, the frumpish Scot may have surprised many with her choice of first single from the upcoming new album, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’.
From Les Miserables, to Sticky Fingers, the West Lothian warbler has ditched the West End for The Rolling Stones track ‘Wild Horses’, giving the classic an airing in front of a US TV audience of 25 million. But is her choice of song, as premiered on America’s Got Talent, as daring as one might originally think? As songs go, it is more covered than most – and predominantly by female artists. It may not be the most covered song of all time – the Beatles ‘Yesterday’ has that honour – but it has attracted interest from upwards of twenty charting acts, from Elvis Costello to Sheryl Crow; Garbage to Deacon Blue - many of whom have, in truth, managed to record versions far superior to this.
Originally released by the Stones in 1971, the band reissued the track as part of its acoustic album ‘Stripped’, taking advantage of its enduring appeal some twenty five years on. Whilst no cover version could ever compare to the the original, several have managed to come close, with links to the top five below. Note the intentional absence of the aforementioned Boyle, but other than that, feel free to flood the comments with any omissions!
5. Charlotte Martin - The American singer/songwriter provided a haunting, piano backed rendition on her 2004 debut album ‘On Your Shore’. Tender vocals managed to convey the true meaning of the song, with an overwhelming feel of vulnerability and pain.
4. Guns n Roses - The Californian rockers provided us with perhaps the most faithful cover version of the track, with Axl Roses strained vocals managing to convey the same raw emotion as Mick Jagger’s original sound. His macho exterior, like that of Jagger, provides the perfect contrast to the tender song, something that no female artist will ever achieve. The rockers lose points, as their version was played predominantly as an instrumental introduction live in concert, unfortunate for a track with such powerful lyrics. At the height of their fame, Guns N Roses were tipped as the new Stones, and it is ironic to see that the band, and their classic track, have outlived all pretenders to their throne.
3. Sheryl Crow- The American country/rock singer is perhaps one of the biggest artists to have covered the track, and certainly provides one of the best solo female renditions. The multi-grammy award winning songstress offers a soft, soulful sound, in keeping with the original. Her much publicised personal problems – both health and relationship - add to the sense that this is one song sung directly from the heart.
2. The Flying Burrito Brothers - Early country rock band The Flying Burrito Brothers actually released the track in 1970, a year before the Stones Sticky Fingers, with singer Gram Parsons convincing Jagger and Richards to allow him to record it for their album Burrito Deluxe. Many critics name this as the definitive cover of the song, although the slight country overtones are off putting to some aficionados of the song. The loss of Parsons at such a young age adds a sense of poignancy to the song when heard in retrospect.
1. The Sundays - A final female fronted outfit makes the number one spot, this time with a more traditional guitar backed sound. Lead singer Harriet Wheeler achieved a beautifully melancholy sound, almost comparable to Jaggers original. This cover version provided the band with plenty of exposure, featuring in Budweiser beer adverts, along with the film ‘Fear’, and the Buffy The Vampire Slayer episode ‘The Prom’. It has also been perhaps the most commercially successful cover version of this song, one possible reason why it has so many detractors within musical circles.
XXElleXX September 18th, 2009 at 5:28 am
Errica: Sorry Fivestars—>but Susan Boyle is over-rated..I’m sick of hearing about her.
fivegoldstars September 18th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
True enough, and my sentiments exactly. Unfortunately, without writing the article, and raising her name, I wouldn’t be able to criticise the cover.
C S September 19th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Quit complaining and just don’t listen. Won’t that be easier and less strenuous, or do you just require an outlet for your obvious high level of negativity??? Susan’s versions is the first I have ever bought.
fivegoldstars September 19th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Thanks for the comment CS. Am I to understand that every review or critique should be glowing, sycophantic praise? The article was intended to inform the karaoke TV generation that there is other music out there – from talented, hardworking musicians. Whilst I may be negative about the over exposed Ms Boyle, I have high praise for the other five artists mentioned, along with the original writers/performers.
Sheryl September 20th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Why are some people so cynical? Come on now – Susan Boyle was just like any of the others that audition for these talent shows – inexperienced, naive, etc. The only thing that makes her different than most – she’s awesomely talented! I’m so grateful for these shows that make it possible for us to find these people, hidden jewels of incredible talent. Sorry, but I’m quite sick of the gold digging backers – they find the next young bombshell that they can put into skin tight rubber outfits, with garter belts and 10 inch heeled boots, add some all-but x-rated video to cover up the weak talent – and a star is born! Susan’s version of wild horses gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes – what I would give to be able to sing like her! Her critics are visual versus audio listeners, let’s hear some of these new artists belt out a song like that without their sleezy Las Vegas act to distract us. What Susan has is a voice from heaven and I’m so thrilled that it’s been brought to the public and shared with those of us that are inspired by the beauty of a voice. The hype behind Susan Boyle is simple – she’s become a superstar because of her voice. It’s that simple. I will absolutely buy her CD and will glady pay to see her sing, not perform, but sing!
fivegoldstars September 20th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Thanks for the comment Sheryl. I’d just like to point out that Boyles appearance has no bearing on my opinion of her – my favourite Christmas track is by The Pogues! Personally, I think that her lack of looks is the most exploited commodity of all – if her voice came from an 18 year old blonde bombshell, would people be lavishing as much praise on her? The public likes an underdog, and I find some of Boyles support to be bordering on patronising.
Andrew Burns September 24th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Am astonished you call yourself fivegoldstars, Not many would give you 1 star for that nonsense you have typed. If sympathy was the only reason for listening to susan boyle then she would have won Bgt. And a world class singer will be chosen if they look like a goddess or a garbage can so that is a totally ridiculous comment to make, And this overated singer has been described by the top 20 vocal coaches in the usa as an outstanding talent. And finally. On rolling stone magazine they have a debate as to which is the greatest version of all time. Current score: Susan Boyle 251 the rest 49. And on Virgin website 96%: to 4%: out of 500 that voted. And acknowledged by music critics around the world as an outstanding version.Now let me see there opinion or yours, Not even close is it.
fivegoldstars September 25th, 2009 at 3:19 am
Andrew, Andrew, Andrew. Where do I begin?
1) ‘Fivegoldstars’ is a pen name which has been chosen in homage to something other than my literary prowess. Google LFC, you’ll find the answer.
2) Sympathy got Susan to the runners-up spot – winning it would have just required more sympathy and from a greater number of phone-wielding idiots.
3) Lies, damn lies and statistics? Who do you think voted in those polls? I refer you to point 2.
4) Please do not criticise someones writing ability and then misuse the word ‘their’. It makes you look silly. Or, go to point 2.
andrew burns October 2nd, 2009 at 1:20 am
Lies,damn lies and statistics.Strange point of view considering you assume who you believe voted in them polls.When on the defence only way back is to attack ,but in your case you had nothing to attack with so you just made up whatever came into your head, Not a very smart move for someone who is supposed to be educated is it.Oh,and by the way ,Mick jagger has called the version ghostly and better than anything he has ever done.More lies and statistics eh.You need to learn how to do research,Unless of course typing made up stories turns you on,Perhaps your mom should have called you hans christian anderson.You sure tell better stories than he ever did.
fivegoldstars October 2nd, 2009 at 6:44 am
Andrew – in advance, if you do genuinely have special needs, I apologise for treating your comments with the same level of contempt that I would reserve for a normal persons.
Do you understand the meaning of the phrase ‘Lies, damn lies and statistics’? It shows that statistics can be used to prove any point if manipulated correctly.
Susan Boyles version of Wild Horses is officially the worst version of the song ever, as determined by a poll. 100% of the respondents agreed. Now, I was the only respondent, and my opinion was known prior to the question being asked, but the result could be quoted as proof of the above statement.
The only people who voted in those polls that you mention, the only people who are bothered about fueling this musical farce, are precisely the same people who voted for her in BGT, and the type of people who should not be allowed to vote in any contest, referendum or election. That is why the results are null and void.
Also, please clarify this strange comment about ‘made up stories’. Is the article above not simply a review, which uses personal opinion to offer up alternative opinion? Do all reviews or critiques have to match your own view? If so, maybe we’d all better invest in one of those special helmets.
Lucacentric December 12th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I think that Susan’s cover of “Wild Horses” is one of the best things about the whole album. She could do a whole disc of rock cover tunes and it would be amazing. Did anyone hear about the Susan Boyle special on the TV Guide channel Sunday the 13th? Here’s a link to a clip for it: http://www.tvguide.com/special/susan-boyle/