The song entitled "The Chain" by Fleetwood mac has been one of my favorites while growing up. Its rusty feel, and fantastic singing had struck me as something different, and as a matter of fact, my mother got me interested in the band and into the song. When I was in eighth grade, one of my favorite bands called Tantric came out with a new CD. Track 6 of this CD was entitled "The Chain" ."......It can't be" I thought to myself. Why would this new age band that is a completely different style cover a song by a band years ago. Happily I was wrong, and as a turned on the track, to my amazement, was one of the best covers I had ever heard.
The songs were strikingly similar, yet very different from one another. I believe that this is why I had so much interest in the song. It had the same roots as the original song I loved, but a new "Face-lift" with it's own twists and style that I loved nonetheless. The lyrics that compose both of the songs remained identical throughout both songs. This is one pet peeve of mine. When a band purposely changes the lyrics and style of an already famous, well known song, and basically rips out the backbone that we all know and love. However, this cover is different. The lyrics are the same, and I couldn't be happier. There are many differences within the songs however. First and foremost, one thing that seems quite obvious is that the intensity of the original song is MUCH softer, and laid back. It uses cleaner guitar sounds, crisper vocals, and more acoustic guitar. The version composed by Tantric is very different from this. From the very get go of the song, it is obvious that the song is louder (recording advancements). It also has a more grungy louder vocals, and electric distorted guitars. The covered version is obviously and clearly a much more intense and louder song than its softer, calmer predecessor. Another element of the song that is different than the original version, is the pitch of the song. After the four first acoustic notes were played, I was able to identify that the new version seemed to be a half step higher in terms of note quality, possibly a whole step, whether the band used a capo on their guitar and sang at a higher pitch, I think that it fits perfectly, and that they chose very wisely on composing the song with a higher pitch than the original. It seems more catchy to me.
The last element that was different in both songs was the speed of the songs. The first one, which I had mentioned earlier was softer, slower, and more laid back. Where as the covered version is harder, quicker, has a faster tempo, and quicker more intense solo. This clearly gives the song a more hyper feel compared to the original. I think there is a lot of tension and release in both songs as well... as the song continues and builds, tension and anxiety builds within, and during the solo the tension increases. It isn't until the very end when the song and lyrics end together that there is some form of release that eases the tension and anxiety within both of the songs.
Its tough to say what song I like more, I like them both for different reasons. On one hand, the original is what I grew up with, and learned to love, but the new version adds a twist and a new modern feel to it. If I HAD to chose I would probably pick the covered version, I think it is catchier and rings in my head long after I listen to it.
No comments:
Post a Comment