Be My Baby: Multiple Versions Monday
Are you a devotee to the original? Or will a cover win the day?
Hello. Happy Monday. I hope your week is off to a wonderful start.
It being a Monday, we’re diving into multiple versions of a true classic. “Be My Baby,” originally released by The Ronettes in 1963. The song was the Ronettes' biggest hit, reaching number 2 on the U.S. charts and number 4 in the UK.
I’m a big fan of sixties girl groups, so when the lovely
, a regular reader and consummate commenter, asked me to add this song to my list for Multiple Versions Monday, I was happy to do so.There’s something so simple and straightforward about these sixties love songs. That’s what makes it so fun when an artists puts together a killer cover that take the tune in a new direction. Which version will be the ultimate winner this week? Let’s dive into the listening and see!
The Playlists
Listen with Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/be-my-baby/pl.u-mJy8Kg4IN5eZj8g
I normally share five versions, but lovely Lou requested two cover versions, and I wanted to cover the gamut as best I could, so we’ve got six selections this week. As I am a real sucker for Scottish indie, I’m a big fan of the Glasvegas rendition. But, as always, I won’t share a version that I don’t like. So, each of these appeals to me in a different way.
What say you? Steady on with the Spector-led original? Or does one of the covers add a little extra to the simple song that gave it top marks from you. Please let me know. You know I love to read and respond to your comments.
What song will I select for next week? I have several listed on my “coming soon” list. We’ll just have to see which one is the winner next week!
My little baby sister taped Dirty Dancing off of HBO back around 1988 or so and watched it incessantly for the next 5 years until I went off to college. I will never not think of that when I hear this song.
I didnt know any of the covers, but at least knew all of the artists save one.
Whoa oh oh oh oh ohhhhhh . . . To the countdown:
6) Linda Ronstadt: Sorry, just not that into you. For every kiss you give me, I give you a friendly side hug and well wishes
5) We Are Scientists: I like this one. If it popped up in the rotation of my local college station I wouldn't complain. It doesn't quite capture the feels that the song calls for, IMHO. For every kiss you give me, I give you a fist bump and invite to my Labor Day BBQ
4) Lowland Hum: This one was really cool. It has some interesting vocal harmonies from the ladies that are reminescent of the original, but then the male singer adds a fresh new element. The production was interesting too, with a lot of background stuff going on, as with the original, but sounding nothing like the original. Its like they borrowed the template of the original but implemented it in a whole new way. Well done. For every kiss you give me, I give you a soft kiss on your hand and ask would it be cool if I call you tomorrow ?
3) The Dollyrots. THIS is how you do a punk-inspired cover of a not-punk tune. Gimmie Gimmie more. For every kiss you give me I'll give you a kiss back and I cant promise that my tongue will behave itself
1b) Glasvegas: The acoustic singer-songwriter treatment really works well here. The vocalist really sells it and his thick accent makes it all the more endearing. Its nothing like the original, but its the only cover that matches the feels of the original. For every kiss you give me I'll give you a bottle of Glenmorangie with a nice set of glassware
1a) The Ronettes. Its a classic for a reason. The Houseman family is pulling into the resort. Gonna be a wild summer. For every kiss you give me, I got one back for each of ya
Love the original. The We Are Scientists version is a solid second.