(My Boss) Paul’s Top Five List… Punk Covers Of 80′s Songs
99 Red Bowling Shirts
Aaah, the 80′s. They’re definitely Generation X (and sometimes Y)’s version of our parents and their nostalgic-laden 60′s. And since my boss, Paul, and I are huge fans of living in the past, Paul thought he’d double-dip in the ethers of remember-when, and present this list:
Top 5 Punk Covers of 80′s Songs
5. Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm
“I was never a big Michael Jackson fan, especially his late 80′s work, but this version makes this song listenable.”
4. Boys of Summer – The Ataris
“While Don Henley’s original has some 80′s nostalgia to it, this is by far a better version.”
3. Come On Eileen – Save Ferris
“Awesome remake by this ska band wit the lead vocal hottie. I can actually understand Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ lyrics with this version.” [Ed. - When I saw saw them in concert, "vocal hottie" Monique Powell had this joke to say:]
What’s worse than Grease on Olivia Newton-John? Come on Eileen!
2. Take On Me – Reel Big Fish
“One of the best ska bands from the 90′s doing the #1 80′s Hit from A-Ha. Also, it was featured in the South Park creators’ movie, Baseketball.” [For those stuck more in the 80's than us, those creators would be none other than Trey Parker and Matt Stone, natch. - Ed.]
1. 99 Red Balloons – Goldfinger
“One of my favorite punk bands doing one the the better songs from the 80′s by Nena.”
Didn’t think anything could make Come On Eileen palatable. I was so wrong.
All they do is covers,but… Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, I believe I can fly.
This is an awesome list. Exactly how I would have ranked them.
Kasey can I make a long distance dedication? When I’m on vacation, um, let’s say next week.
7 seconds did a much better cover of 99 red balloons, goldfingers was as gay as the orig
I will let my boss know.
I remember that I’ve told you this before, but maybe you should inform Paul about this: Blondie covered Nena’s “99 Luft Balloons”, and Goldfinger actually covered Blondie’s version to the note, so is it really a cover? (in comparision to the other songs on the list, which could really be called ‘re-imaginations’.)
FYI: You have to love this post because it has such longevity.