Music Commentary

Musicians Reinterpreting other Musicians

EW checks out five recent song remakes by Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, and more

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Whether they're paying homage to their heroes or just trying to pad their albums, musicians continue to cover other artists' songs. EW checks out five recent remakes.

''I AM WAITING''
The Original A ballad from the Rolling Stones' first album of all original songs, 1966's Aftermath. The Cover A hushed, thrillingly creepy version by Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham. Biggest Surprise The Ying Yang Twins aren't the only ones with a good whisper song. A-

''DEAD LEAVES AND THE DIRTY GROUND''
The Original The 2001 White Stripes cut finds them in full-on Led Zep mode. The Cover Nickel Creek mandolinist Chris Thile turns the rock stomp into a fiddle-filled two-step. Biggest Surprise Jack White writes a darn good bluegrass tune. B+

''SUICIDE IS PAINLESS''
The Original Johnny Mandel's tune was the theme to M*A*S*H. The Cover A remake by Lady & Bird (side project of French singer Keren Ann) hews close to the original, but here the dreamy vocals soften the bleak lyrics. Biggest Surprise Even death seems appealing in a French accent. B

''DO YA THINK I'M SEXY''
The Original Rod Stewart was at his cheekiest on this 1979 disco-rock smash. The Cover Paris Hilton's near-note-for-note copy is like a karaoke session, though it retains Rod's brassy appeal. Biggest Surprise That the narcissistic celeb would even ask the title question. C+

''YOU SPIN ME ROUND (LIKE A RECORD)''
The Original Dead or Alive's 1985 classic hinges on an indelible hook. The Cover Taking her kittenish delivery to cartoonish proportions, Jessica Simpson's retro remake is unmelodic and no fun. Biggest Surprise Simpson felt the need to rework the melody. D

Posted Oct 06, 2006 | Published in issue #901-902 Oct 13, 2006 | Order Article Reprints