On last night’s American Idol, the contestants sang songs from the year they were born. David Cook chose Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” song but opted to use Chris Cornell’s cover of the song. Huh?! A cover of a cover? More so, the judges’ comments were ridiculous for praising David as “original”. Haven’t they heard Ryan Seacrest’s announcement that David used Chris Cornell’s arrangement?! I know that David did a pretty good job of interpreting the song but praising him as “original” got my goat.
Anyway, this is a video of Chris Cornell’s Billie Jean cover. Now this is ORIGINAL, in a sense that he sang the song according to the musical style he was known for:
Now this is American Idol contestant David Cook’s “un-original” interpretation of the same song, Billie Jean:
I can’t help it that I’m so affected by all of this. I absolutely adore Chris Cornell and I abhor the poseurs who “copy” his style or “murder” his songs, including the covers!
UPDATE!!! Click here for Chris Cornell’s thoughts on David Cook’s performance.
Peace everyone…
Cornell called David Cook to say he was utterly impressed and linked it on his own website…
Does not David Cook’s choice denote respect and admiration of Chris Cornell?
I assume that you want your personal idols to somehow be untouched by uber commerce. When Iggy Pop’s tunes become a car commercial and cruise line hooks (Lust for Life) where have things gone?
Nothing is so avante-garde that it can’t be co-opted.
My sense is that if David Cook brings some attention to Chris Cornell… gets some him more attention to his music, so he can get paid, do more of his unique artistry…. Then cheers for the imitators who credit their sources.
As far as David Cook being original…. No in the broader context of music, but in the context of American Idol, I’d say yes.
His cover choice was unusual and interesting.
I understand your wish that what you consider “special” and unique to remain un-sullied by mediocrity. I guess I’d just prefer to hear David Cook doing Chris Cornell doing Micheal Jackson on American Idol, than the Ramones being piped into a elevator as Musak. Erosion is a matter of perspective and degree.
I feel David Cook was at least reverent… and that has some importance.
Think of all the blues greats that were covered by The Stones or Led Zeppelin without credit or compensation….
My 2 cents….
Hey guys, I appreciate your comments. After all, I believe in freedom of speech, to each his own. These are my personal opinions and I do respect your opinions as well.
Thanks!