PAUL ANKA - ROCK SWINGS

[BubbaStrangelove]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009A1BXG.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

If you are the least of a fan of swing, or just like the old sound of the gin days? I highly recommend Paul Ankas new cover album called Rock Swings.

It features covers of songs by Nirvana, Billy Idol, Survivor, Oasis, Lionel Ritchie, Van Halen....

Unlike Richard Cheese, to whom I'm sure the lounge covers will receive comparison, the production value of Rock Swings is enhanced by Anka's time-tested golden pipes - man, can the cat sing.

So check it out - Even if you are only fans of the songs, it's worth hearing. Hell - some of the songs, you might actually like better. No comment, but you for once be able to make out all the words to any given song.

From Amazon's editorial review:

Sonically amazing, musically impeccable, vocally superb, this album swings hard from start to finish. Crank it loud on a great stereo. Crank it loud in your car with the windows open and the top down. This is fun music, this is music to drink cocktails to, this is a seriously fun album that seriously swings hard!

Beginning his career by entering amateur contests and sneaking into clubs, Paul Anka has gone on to become one of the most prolific, successful songwriters in history. This year marks his 47th Anniversary in show business, which he celebrates with the June 7th Global release of his latest album, "Rock Swings." It is a concept that takes rock hits from the 80's and adds a swing arrangement to give them a completely different, and fresh new sound. Songs like "Jump" by Van Halen, "Smells like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, "Wonderwall" by Oasis.

Image and review source here. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009A1BXG/qid=1126577153/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-8925078-3404844?v=glance&s=music&n=507846)

[bluesbrother965]

Man, I sure do dig that swing, but I've never listened to Anka. Seems to young (and a bit too alive, for that matter) to be from the classic swing period, though. Not to say that that makes him bad, I'll check him out. A swing version of Smells Like Teen Spirit is easily worth a listen in my book.

[ComeNightfall]

I love Paul Anka.

[BubbaStrangelove]

Yeah, he was a 'teen idol' in the 60s, according to some random website.

Either of you get to check it out yet?

And does anyone remember which Simpson's episode he guest starred on?

[bowieee]

I just ordered this at amazon a few hours ago. I'll post my thoughts when the goodies get here.

[bluesbrother965]

Originally posted by BubbaStrangelove

And does anyone remember which Simpson's episode he guest starred on?

Yeah, the Halloween Treehouse of Horror special where the giant Lard Lad (as well as other mascots) are terrorizing Springfield! Ten points for me, I don't think I've seen that in like the last three years. I need to watch more tv. :(

[BubbaStrangelove]

Yeah, I remember now. "Just don't look! Just don't look!"

Come to mention it, I'm not sure they've played that one in ages. Seems like whenever I look at the syndicated ones it's always something from like Season 19, or something - Don't see the old ones as much.



ANKA:

I can't decide if I like WONDERWALL, or EYES WITHOUT A FACE as my favorite on the album. It all just goes well together.

Damn this album is making me miss drinking with company over, lights low, stirrers out, and coversation mellow.

[Lazy Boy]

I love his cover of "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

It reminds me of the great swing version of Disturbed's "Down With the Sickness" from the Dawn of the Dead remake.

Of course, "Black Hole Sun" is remarkable, because he takes a creepy rock song and makes it his own...almost. Not enough to erase the images of the original (or its music video, either).

[bowieee]

Now that I've had a chance to peruse the album and soak in it's Martini soaked ambiance I have to say that it's a really good find. My favorite of the bunch has to be his version of True, but it's all really good.

[BubbaStrangelove]

I've been digging Easy as of late.