A couple of days ago on the United flight back to SF they showed a video featuring a rather lovely-looking folk/country singer named Mindy Smith. The song was an uninspired, polite cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." Presumably it had her imprimatur, as it had (the even lovelier) Dolly at the beginning and end of the video, writing the lyrics into a book. (Later I discovered that it came from an all-Parton covers album by Smith.)
This had the unfortunate effect of reminding the viewer how much better the original was; this new, bland version was sung with little feeling, making it perfect as a soundtrack to sipping your latte.
In contrast, I'm offering as Your New Favorite Song the way a cover of "Jolene" should be done: gritty, a little sloppy, and slightly emotionally overwrought. And even if you don't like the White Stripes, you have to agree that this kicks ass.
Hear it. (4.11 mb)
Posted by the wily filipino at February 10, 2004 07:59 AM