Funky brass sections, Meters-esque guitar riffage, and pumped-up beats rule this CD. Version is full of relatively recent songs redone in a Stax/Motown style with that woofer-friendly bounce added . It's a style similar to the big beat sound championed by the likes of Fatboy Slim. There's a fun range of selections ranging from Britney Spears "Toxic" to The Smiths "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before." Cover versions are dubious territory because often cover versions simply leech off the gloriousness of the originals. I'm thrilled to report Mark Ronson has pulled this off with style and finesse. Ronson reveals his successful ethic when he says "It's not like I'm thinking it's a shit song that I can make good, it's more like it's a great song and now I'm going to make it bounce." Respect.
After having this CD on repeat mode for several weeks, it's obvious to me Version belongs in my "fun stack." Whether or not you're familiar with the originals, the CD is a blast to hear. Never once do the tracks come off as if they are hastily thrown together- there's a sense of craft and quality control throughout. Music in general thanks you, Mark Ronson, for setting the bar high for the redux version.
"Stop Me Medley featuring Daniel Merriweather" combines The Smiths and The Supremes to great effect. Merriweather's vocals bring a kind of blue eyed soul that is fetching. Combining two of the best songwriting teams in history- Morrisey/Marr and the indisputable Holland/Dozier/Holland- works brilliantly. I'm a huge fan of the Smiths and I love this cover. Goddess Amy Winehouse stops in to cover The Zutons "Valerie" and it's a match made in heaven, providing a few minutes of such pleasure it's nearly obscene. Those are my two faves from the CD. You owe it to yourself to check this one out in its entirety. Covers never felt so good.
