learnedax: (sephiroth)
learnedax ([personal profile] learnedax) wrote2003-10-27 10:16 pm

(no subject)

Having just recently yet again argued this point, I went back and listened to the source material for re-analysis. So, if you think the Indigo Girls version of Romeo and Juliet is better than the Dire Straits one, I understand that it's a purely subjective choice, and I now see why you think that. But you're still wrong.

The benefit that IG imparts is a much higher level of vocal passion, and it is a fair criticism that Mark Knopfler is not the most expressive of singers. However, the advantages offered by DS are as follows: first, Mr. Knopfler actually manages to hit the notes cleanly, which gets him points over IG in my book. Second, the musical accompaniment in the DS version is unquestionably better; Mark's a guitar god and he is in fine form here. Third, and perhaps most important, the non-wailing laconic style that DG employes captures the worn-out melancholy of the song vastly better than the emotional breakdown that IG offers.

Yes, it does seem pedantic to beat this to death here, but given how many people seem to disagree with me I thought I'd centralize.

Re: Both are good

[identity profile] cristovau.livejournal.com 2003-10-28 10:55 am (UTC)(link)
There could be far worse covers. Oh, Jon Secada for example. Cher, for instance.

Brrr... my mind instantly went to bad possibilities... a Nichael Feistein show rune version or Pearl Jam mumble-a-thon. But then I went to Marilon Manson and that might be all right. Same for Gath Brooks. This shows my bias; make it different enough and a cover is interestingly worthwhile
ext_267559: (The Future)

Re: Both are good

[identity profile] mr-teem.livejournal.com 2003-10-28 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, there probably are country artists that could do a very good cover of this song and in the right tone. Hesitate to pick one, I get weepy after certain country ballads.