I found this Bob Christgau story about seeing Elvis Costello and the Roots a couple of years ago, when their album Wake Up Ghost came out. It’s a fine record, but what made my eyes open was his description of their cover of the Specials Ghost Town.
Here it is.
Sound is crap, but it is sweet. Here’s the original version, which EC produced, and has a lot more air.
Geez. Original – A+. Cover – F+.
The original has that wonderful “More Specials” feel that I don’t hear on any other album, period. The cover sounds like the industrial version.