Taking Sides: "Baby Come Back" by the Equals vs. "Life Goes On" by the Damned vs. "Eighties" by Killing Joke vs. "Come as You Are" by Nirvana vs. "Never Change" by Puddle of Mud

Message Bookmarked
Bookmark Removed
The answer's an obvious one, but I wanna hear you say it.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 16:01 (twenty-one years ago)

Thanks, something else I should have voted for in the UK Number 1 poll.

"Baby Come Back", obviously.

aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 16:04 (twenty-one years ago)

The first being the best...

mark grout (mark grout), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 16:05 (twenty-one years ago)

So it's all about That Watery Riff, is it?

Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 16:05 (twenty-one years ago)

"Baby Come Back", obviously.

Indeed

Dadaismus (Dada), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 16:08 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm gonna say the Equals too, mostly because I need an excuse to vent that their stuff's impossible to find in the States.

What's this place, Biblevania? (natepatrin), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 18:17 (twenty-one years ago)

(Also that I lived in the '80s and the fewer songs I hear reminding me of what that shit was like specifically, the better)

What's this place, Biblevania? (natepatrin), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 18:18 (twenty-one years ago)

"the holy hour" the cure

toothy philanthropist, Tuesday, 18 January 2005 18:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Also that I lived in the '80s and the fewer songs I hear reminding me of what that shit was like specifically, the better

You realize that future generations will substitute the 90s or the 00s or whatever...

Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 18:34 (twenty-one years ago)

EQUALS EASY

ddb (ddb), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 18:37 (twenty-one years ago)

is this the same "Baby Come Back" as the Player version? if so, that's one of my favorite songs in the entire world.

by the comparison to the other bands, i'm thinking it's not :(

Hella Fitzgerald (JasonD), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 18:50 (twenty-one years ago)

"the holy hour" the cure

...sounds nothing like any of the others, so is not admissable.

'm gonna say the Equals too, mostly because I need an excuse to vent that their stuff's impossible to find in the States.

I found it.

(Also that I lived in the '80s and the fewer songs I hear reminding me of what that shit was like specifically, the better)

There was more interesting music in the 80's than in the 90's, I'd suggest.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 18:59 (twenty-one years ago)

is this the same "Baby Come Back" as the Player version?

No, No and thrice verily no. I always thought "Baby Come Back" (the Player version) was a dead ringer for Hall & Oates' "She's Gone".

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:01 (twenty-one years ago)

"the holy hour" the cure
...sounds nothing like any of the others, so is not admissable.

"the holy hour" and "come as you are" have the same riff

toothy philanthropist, Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:02 (twenty-one years ago)

...if you're deaf in one ear and not really paying attention, maybe.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:03 (twenty-one years ago)

Elektirk Music (Schultz & Bartos from Kraftwerk) did a great cover of "Baby Come Back" (the Equals version) on the NME Ruby Trax compilation.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Elektric

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:05 (twenty-one years ago)

EQUALS FUKKIN' RIGHT!

J (Jay), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:07 (twenty-one years ago)

You realize that future generations will substitute the 90s or the 00s or whatever...

No, because those decades fucking ruled, man!

(Actually there were some things about growing up in the 1980s that were singularly weird, like the fact that every single cartoon on TV was an advertisement for something and the fact that Garbage Pail Kids were immensely popular.)

What's this place, Biblevania? (natepatrin), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Alex, I presume that you designed the thread title in order, from awesomeness to shit, although there's still a pretty steep drop-off there . . .

J (Jay), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Actually, now that I think about it, that's really fucking scary, innit?

J (Jay), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:09 (twenty-one years ago)

...if you're deaf in one ear and not really paying attention, maybe.

those with ears to hear know it's true--the fire is warm but its glare sometimes is blinding and its roar deafening

toothy philanthropist, Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:11 (twenty-one years ago)

That Equals song pwnz. If, however, you had said "Stranger on the Town" instead of "Life Goes on," my answer would certainly have been different.

(Disclaimer: don't know Puddle of Mud tune.)

Tim Ellison (Tim Ellison), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:12 (twenty-one years ago)

those with ears to hear know it's true--the fire is warm but its glare sometimes is blinding and its roar deafening

The sequence of notes is completely off. I'll admit that it has a similar atmosphere, but it has no place in this particular comparison. Moreover, I'd suggest it's entirely coincidental (no Cure fan, Kurt. Courtney, maybe, but not Kurt).

Killing Joke have admitted to lifting the riff from the Equals (though staunchly deny any knowledge of the Damned `choon). Nirvana were famously sued for lifting it from the `Joke (though Kurt ventilated his head before legal proceedings could really catch their stride) and Puddle of Mud are simply fawning Nirvana fans.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Eighties

Bryan Moore (Bryan Moore), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Bryan wins a big pretty balloon. The rest of you must now eat dirt.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Did you start this thread in a spirit of masochism, Alex?

I'm going with the Equals, too, although I can't get the hilarious comedy toasting out of my head from whoever did the 90s version (was it Pato Banton?)

noodle vague (noodle vague), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 19:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Did you start this thread in a spirit of masochism, Alex?

I live for the argument, man.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 20:12 (twenty-one years ago)

"the holy hour" and "come as you are" have the same riff

You're completely wrong about this, and if you aren't willing to admit it than prove it by providing us with tablature, the riff written in standard music notation or at least the chord progression and riff described as individual notes.

martin m. (mushrush), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 20:30 (twenty-one years ago)

than = then, obv

martin m. (mushrush), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 20:30 (twenty-one years ago)

You're completely wrong about this, and if you aren't willing to admit it than prove it by providing us with tablature, the riff written in standard music notation or at least the chord progression and riff described as individual notes.

You don't need tablature. All you need is a pair of ears. They're similar, yes, but there entire sequences of notes missing. They're not nearly as alike as "Life Goes On" and "Eighties" are. That's the point.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 20:35 (twenty-one years ago)

I know you don't need tablature, and I just sat down with my guitar and figured out both riffs in 30 seconds as well... My point is if someone tells you you're wrong and your response is "those with ears to hear know it's true--the fire is warm but its glare sometimes is blinding and its roar deafening," then you need to work on proving why you think you're right.

martin m. (mushrush), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 20:44 (twenty-one years ago)

I don't think I'm right, I know I'm right.

And: those with ears to hear know it's true--the fire is warm but its glare sometimes is blinding and its roar deafening was his response, not mine.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 21:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Well in Martin's defense, I think it's possible he already knew that, Alex - I believe he was talking about toothy philanthropist.
But hey what do I know? It doesn't matter anyway because anyone who gives a response like "those with ears to hear know it's true--the fire is warm but its glare sometimes is blinding and its roar deafening" is probably on some fantastic drugs and there's not much point in arguing with them.

I'm gonna plead ignorance about this thread in general because I don't think I've even heard the Equals before. Must seek it out! It amuses me to learn that Killing Joke copped to borrowing it from them, because I thought they might have borrowed it from the Damned. And I do very much love "Life Goes On". But then if I chose it over Eighties, that wouldn't be right either. So can't I just vote for a tie between the two until I hear the Equals? Or will I have to eat dirt? And if I have to eat dirt, can I at least add some water to it or something?

I'm joking, Alex. JOKE-ing. Don't forget it.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Wednesday, 19 January 2005 04:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Didn't Eddy Grant write "Baby Come Back"? To have written that song and "Police on My Back" AND "Electric Avenue," - what a career!

Ken L (Ken L), Wednesday, 19 January 2005 05:09 (twenty-one years ago)

I think you probably all know what I'm going to say, don't you?

Life goes on and on and on
If you think it's all gone wrong
Go on and on and on

Life's a con a con a con
If you think you can't go on
Go on and on and on

But always remember
This is the happiest day of your life

Life goes on and on and on
If you think it's all gone wrong
Go on and on and on

Life's a con a con a con
If you think you can't go on
Go on and on and on

And as the years they move along
I see it now, there's something wrong
'Cos life is for always
Take your time
Who cares what fools say
I don't mind
'Cos this is my day
I'll live it my way
Today, there's just today

Life goes on and on and on
If you think it's all gone wrong
Go on and on and on

Life's a con a con a con
If you think you can't go on
Go on and on and on

http://freespace.virgin.net/jackie.askew/damned.JPG

Stewart Osborne (Stewart Osborne), Wednesday, 19 January 2005 09:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Didn't Eddy Grant write "Baby Come Back"? To have written that song and "Police on My Back" AND "Electric Avenue," - what a career!

Don't forget the theme song to Romancing the Stone!

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Wednesday, 19 January 2005 15:20 (twenty-one years ago)

To say nothing of "Michael and the Slipper Tree"

Which was not a theme tune to anything, btw...

mark grout (mark grout), Wednesday, 19 January 2005 15:35 (twenty-one years ago)

The Equals are fucking great. "Diversion," people.

J (Jay), Thursday, 20 January 2005 01:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Okay, so I've heard the Equals "Baby Come Back" now and I'm afraid I don't see the connection as much as I thought I would. I mean, I can see a clear connection between "Life Goes On" and "Eighties", but with The Equals, I just hear a pleasant Fall-ish tune. Nothing wrong with it at all, don't get me wrong, but I don't see the connection to the other two. Sorry.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Sunday, 30 January 2005 12:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Doors "I Can't See Your Face In My Mind"

dave q (listerine), Sunday, 30 January 2005 21:30 (twenty-one years ago)

Though I'm a knee-jerk devotee of old soul records, even British ones, when I finally heard "Baby Come Back" by the Equals I was startled to discover that it's not very good, the sing-song chorus is quite annoying IMO. And christ, just a mention of that Player song brought back awkward memories of the late 70s. Thanks a lot.

So "Eighties" by Killing Joke wins hands down. "Come As You Are" was never my favorite Nirvana song and the Damned WERE a joke.

lovebug starski (lovebug starski), Sunday, 30 January 2005 22:06 (twenty-one years ago)

The Damned were not a joke, and they weren't the Joke. I can't claim to own all the Damned albums by any means, but all the same. Let's give a little respect for the first punk single in the UK, okay?

Bimble... (Bimble...), Monday, 31 January 2005 11:08 (twenty-one years ago)

And if anyone has anything to say about "In Dulce Decorum", I'm all ears.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Monday, 31 January 2005 11:11 (twenty-one years ago)

There's an instrumental version of In Dulce Decorum by the Damned that made a real impression on me.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Monday, 31 January 2005 11:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Being a joke isn't completely pejorative...I mean, the Damned would be pretty hard to take if they took themselves seriously. I love "New Rose" and Damned Damned Damned, and Machine Gun Etiquette (sp) has it moments. After that, I defer to the experts...

lovebug starski (lovebug starski), Monday, 31 January 2005 11:42 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, anyone blessed with ears must love "New Rose" or be burned at the stake. But then again, if they were burned at the stake, they'd probably be a goth, in which case I'd let them off the hook.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Monday, 31 January 2005 11:50 (twenty-one years ago)

The Damned were a joke to the extent that they weren't burdened with the same albatross of humorlessness that swung `round the necks of most of their contemporaries. Moreover, their unapologetic fandom of pop, dance-hall and rich theatrics -- if anything -- made them even more against the orthodoxy (and, thus, arguably even more Punk?). Whatever. As Bimble pointed out, they were the first British Punk band to deliver a palpable single, so credit where its due regardless.

but with The Equals, I just hear a pleasant Fall-ish tune.

There is a bit of "Hey, Lucianni" in there, isn't there!

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Monday, 31 January 2005 12:58 (twenty-one years ago)

So Eddy Grant invented The Fall too?

Dadaismus (Dada), Monday, 31 January 2005 13:02 (twenty-one years ago)

No, no, no. M.E.S. never even mentioned them as far as I know, though I'm sure he heard them.

Alex, I recall you seemed to be in a curious "anti-pop" mode recently. "you pop maggots" and such. I was trying to figure out what exactly you might have meant by that or rather, was there some piece of music or cultural artifact in particular that spurred you onto that sort of thinking? I'd be interested to know.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Monday, 31 January 2005 13:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Bimble, there's a difference between pure, simple, perfect pop and glossy, manufactured cheeze whiz without any semblance of craft or substance. When I refer to the baying sheep here who soil themselves over idiotic tripe like Ashlee Simpson, Kelly Clarkson and Lindsay Lohan, that's when I'm referring to "pop maggots". If I were to cite an example of pure, simple, perfect pop, I'd probably say something like "Earn Enough for Us" by XTC, "What Do All the People Know?" by the Monroes or...even "Love Song" by the Damned.

I'd also like to point out again that when I use arguably image-rich terminology like "pop maggots," there's a very great chance that I'm not being entirely serious. I don't sincerely think you're an awful, squirming larva because you chose to pay money for an album by, say, Usher. I'm just joking. I don't share your taste, thus I am mocking you for it, but I'm not trying to be mean-spirited about it.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Monday, 31 January 2005 14:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, I can't speak for everyone, of course, but I do realize that. (And ha ha, god knows I wouldn't touch Usher with a ten foot pole!) I just thought it was an interesting walk down an artistic path of creativity of some kind on your part to suddenly decide that "pop" - whatever that word might have meant to you - was surprisingly an enemy of sorts, and much as I might have been interviewing someone like oh I don't know - any artistic sort of person - I wondered what the inspiration might have been behind this creative chess move of yours. Thank you for further elaborating.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Monday, 31 January 2005 15:55 (twenty-one years ago)

I think "pop" has become irretrievably sullied by the phenomenon of "teen pop," in which the music takes a backseat to image and choreography.

Alex in NYC (vassifer), Monday, 31 January 2005 15:59 (twenty-one years ago)

Well! I dare say it's elementary my dear Watson! Video did indeed kill the radio star, as they say.

Bimble... (Bimble...), Monday, 31 January 2005 16:44 (twenty-one years ago)


You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.