Ok, I’m going to get this blog rolling with a cover song that I’ve recently done and released to iTunes. I figure what the hell, it’s my blog, I’ll start with my music.
The song today is Cruel To Be Kind, originally written by Nick Lowe and Ian Gomm. I remember hearing this song when I was younger. It always stuck in my head. It was a song that I loved to play over and over, like a guilty pleasure. Of course at the time I had no clue what the content of the lyrics was about, I just loved the music portion. Now that I bit more grown, I do understand the lyrics quite well. In fact I’ve experienced the emotions they explain. I’m sure we can all relate to being in love with someone who was downright cruel to us at some point. Even though they didn’t mean to do it purposefully. Actually I’ve been on both sides of the equation. I think it’s a fact of life.
I took a bold step in essentially tossing their blueprint of the song out the window. I changed everything about it, the tempo, the key, the feel, the rhythm, everything. I’ve had people that know the original version tell me they feel mine is much more appropriate compared to the glossy pop version from the 70’s. I don’t know. I do like what I did, but how do you improve upon something so well crafted, other than taking it somewhere completely different?
I hope you enjoy it. Certainly if you do, please support me in purchasing it, or even signing up on my official e-mail list at jodywhitesides.com. Don’t forget to check out Nick’s version as well. You might want to get them both.
This is an awesome idea! An artist critiquing other artists’ work in a blog format is really great. I love how you can listen to the song that you’re reading about as well. Great job, Jody!
This song is melodic and rockin’ – love the key change at the end (nice creative twist on the original) Beautiful vocalization, too!
I like your version of the song. Very cool. Had to laugh at your announcer voice. LOL!!