He was also, sadly, the definitive one-hit wonder. He recorded today's amazing song, "I Put A Spell On You," in 1956, enjoyed a brief burst of fame as the song topped the charts, and then spent the rest of his career regarded as a novelty act (shades of Warren Zevon and his equally Halloween-ready "Werewolves of London"). Most people probably can't even credit him as the original writer and performer of the song.
None of that, however, diminishes the fact that "I Put A Spell On You" is one of the greatest songs ever written. Hawkins, one of the most dynamic singers ever, is in full swing here- bellowing, roaring, crooning, pleading, an utterly demented figure of madness and menace. The band, Hawkins included, are all too drunk to stand, giving the music a loose, chaotic, and staggering feel. More so than any of the covers of it (even the murder-happy Nick Cave's), the original version of this song feels dangerous, staggering at you in an unlit apartment with rubbing alcohol on its breath and what you hope isn't a knife in its hand. It's a song that seems fundamentally wrong, barely hanging-together, and utterly weird. And it's genius.
So, if you've heard any of the more famous versions (I'm looking at you, Nina Simone fans), head over to She'll Grow Back and grab the original, along with a great collection of covers of it. Nick Cave's is brilliant (my second-favorite), Tim Curry's is oddly gentle, and Marilyn Manson's (don't you judge me!) is sadly neglected.
2 comments:
at one of my former jobs, the Best Of Screamin' Jay Hawkins was an honored staple. having the volume high on it was never in question.
oh, and you know who should cover "I Put A Spell On You" next? i think Xiu Xiu should do it. i mean, goddamn, imagine that!
For some reason, I just now found your link to my blogpost. I just put up a Volume Two, with another nine versions. Still no Marilyn Manson though. (I'm not judging you -- if you insist, I'll pull out my CD and give his version another listen before I put together Volume Three.)
http://shellgrowback.blogspot.com/2008/06/multiple-mondays-i-put-spell-on-you.html
Right. I'm off to read more of your blog then.
Post a Comment