Monday 22 October 2012

Step away from the classic...

There are some things that just should NOT be messed with!

Today, Chris Evans informed me that it is thirty-five years since Meatloaf's 'Bat Out of Hell' was released.

I can see no earthly reason why I shouldn't indulge in a clip at this point...




Was it really that long ago?  It is one of those tracks that immediately transports me back to a time and a place, namely driving round Clapham Common in one of my uni friends cars, sun shining and everyone singing at full throttle!  Not that that was thirty-five years ago, but by the time I was a student, the album had acquired the status of a classic.  Nobody would DARE mess with it!

So HOW has this been allowed to happen?


Gary Barlow to perform on War of the Worlds album remake


But not just any track, oh no, 'Forever Autumn'.

I love the original - it may be overplayed on some radio stations but it doesn't matter to me (because I'm a soppy, sentimental fool).  Justin Hayward's version is so full of emotion - you really feel the pain.




(Oh - and he wears a mean floral shirt!)

I'm loathe to provide a link to the ruined updated version, but for the sake of comparison it must be done...




Nah!  It just doesn't register on my own personal 
hairs-on-the-back-of-the-neck-standing-up and eyes-welling-up scale.  
I actually quite like Mr Barlow when he sticks to singing his own songs, but this is a mistake.  A BIG one!


Which song would you hate to hear messed with?

12 comments:

  1. Oh dear - not quite as haunting as the original :(

    I hear a cover of the Leo Sayer song 'When I need Love' on the radio the other day - another oh dear moment.

    Never to be covered - Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody - Freddie cannot be covered.

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    1. Completely agree about Bohemian Rhapsody and am sure the Leo Sayer remake would be a no-no too!
      x

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  2. I agree with you completely. Don't mess with the classics. Gosh these tracks brought back some memories. A particular track that has memeories for me is Genesis 'Follow you Follow Me' no one seems to have tried to do a cover version of that thank goodness.

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    1. Oh - I love 'Follow You, Follow Me' too! Another of my definite memories songs - driving around the New Forest me in my car, new boyfriend behind in his car - it seemed so appropriate!
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  3. Can't think of any songs atm but I'm with you regarding Gary Barlow. He's brilliant and I love the stuff he does but.....Justin, can't beat him! not that I'm biased but I've been a huge Moody Blues fan for ages!! 35 years for Bat out of Hell, no way!!! I'm depressed! :( Nah, not really :) x

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  4. I so agree - it's not good. I heard the Leo Sayer 'When I need you' cover the other day too - it was awful. M x

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    1. Am going to have to steel myself for hearing that one on the radio!
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  5. Bat Out of Hell 35 years, really??!! Meat Loaf were brilliant, such clever lyrics.

    I'm not a lover of remakes, full stop. I can't think of even one song that is better second time round. I agree with Vicki about Queen and Freddie Mercury in particular - no one could better his performances. I guess I'm in denial but I still can't believe he's dead :'(

    x
    ps LOVE the original War of the Worlds - Richard Burton's voice, *sigh*.

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  6. Thirty five years ??? Hell I feel old !
    I do like Leona Lewis' cover of Snow Patrols' Run. I'd actually love to hear them singing it together.

    Richard Burton's voice - pure nectar

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  7. Of course we were all practically babes in arms when Bat Out of Hell actually came out!
    x

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  8. THIRTY FIVE YEARS????????

    Obviously I was but a tiny child...... :)
    I loved that Album so much.

    Are you sure it's 35?

    *feels old*
    xx

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  9. B.O.O.H.all that time ago, more my daughters era than mine; so I must be much more ancient than I imagine I am. Penny B

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