11 Comments

I’m a huge fan of INXS and love this song so much!! I love all of these versions! I was addicted to Like a Version for quite a spell a few years ago (also BBC1 covers). Love the Vance Joy and GooGoo Dolls versions especially!

Expand full comment

I’m glad I was able to share some great covers of a song you already love, Kristin! I always appreciate your listens and comments!

Expand full comment

The original sets such a high bar, but man, Face to face and The Goo Goo Dolls sure did it justice! The latter have a knack for picking just the right song to cover.

Expand full comment

Weirdly, I had never heard any version of this song before January this year when a Keith Murray acoustic version appeared on the We Are Scientists substack (I know, sorry!). Of the versions here, the Vance Joy one is closest to that but I enjoyed them all. I think it’s actually a very versatile song. My favourite here might be Spanish Love Songs. I’ve not heard them before and will definitely be checking them out. Thanks, Mallie.

Expand full comment

I think you’ll love Spanish Love Songs, Lou. I know I do. Songs I think you’ll enjoy include “Routine Pain,” “Losers,” and “Lifers.” They also do a LOT of covers, and I’m thinking you’ll like some of those!

Expand full comment

Amazing! Thank you.

Expand full comment

Ahhh INXS.

I had a cousin who was just a few months younger than me. She and I were in the same school class from 7th grade To 12th. She had this small crew of friends who all LOVED them some INXS. I'm quite sure it was not entirely for music reasons ;) I was more into stuff like AC/DC and Metallica at the time but I would totally feign interest in INXS so they would talk to me. It worked . . . kinda. Sometimes one of them would say Hi and use my name instead of "Heather's dorky cousin."

To the countdown:

5) Vance Joy.

I like what he's trying to do here, with a slower, folksy version. I think that style can totally work with this tune. This version, IMHO, has too much production fluff in it for my taste. Six strings, three chords, and the truth is all you need.

3b) Goo Goo Dolls

I did not think I would like this one as much as I did. Its good. Befitting the Goo's, its a little more of a dramatic emo-y reading of the tune which totally works. The only nitpick is that I think Face To Face does the same style only better.

3a) Spanish Love Songs

I really like this one. This is the closest to the original, IMHO. Emotionally resonant, but with a cool slick vibe and some production effects that don't overwhelm the power poppiness. The only nitpick is that I think INXS does it like that only a little better.

2) INXS. For only the second time in the history of Multiple Version Mondays the original is not my #1. But its not far off. My cousin and her friends weren't wrong; INXS was a really cool band, even if they were often more focused on "Michael Hutchence's dreaminess" (that's a direct quote ;)

1) Face To Face

The vocals separate this one from the pack for me. He gives it that dramatic, emotional flare that the tune really calls for. Without knowing any context, I would think this was the original because it feels so natural, so authentic in his hands. Don't Change a thing about this one, Face To Face.

Expand full comment

Ahhhhhhh, yes. The dreaminess of the singer. All that aside, I always love your breakdowns and your commentary. I’m glad that everything was acceptable. And I love your historical bent, too! Hope you’re making it through today as best you can!

Expand full comment

Of course, the INXS version is the best but it is really refreshing to hear Vance Joy's slowed down take on the song! The Spanish Love Songs version also has a lot of heart.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Dan. I think it’s okay if we, occasionally, like a cover better than the original. Not saying that’s happening here. But I don’t think we always HAVE TO love the original beyond all else. Always love your comments. Hope you’re making it through today okay!

Expand full comment

Thanks! I'm steady enjoying all of your shares.

Expand full comment