Sunday, March 31, 2013

Music: Great remakes "What A Fool Believes"

A while back (way back) I did a couple posts about remakes of songs I thought were better (or at least as good) as the original.  Today I present a remake of the Doobie Brothers "What A Fool Believes" done by one of my favorite, criminally underrated, under-served, spectacularly unknown, auteurs of the ridiculously catchy pop song, "bands" called Self.  But before I get into how good this remake is, I'm going to slightly detour into personal confession space.

Damn, this song.  You ever notice how how certain songs you love really paint a picture of your life?  It's like my TV theme song.  You know, if there existed a TV show about me, the opening credits would be of me blissful and ignorantly walking down the street waving hi to all the co-stars portraying my friends - with this song playing along in the background.  Oh the misadventures we'd have!  All because of my dogged insistence of trusting my feelings.

Of course I'm learning it's good thing, nay, great thing to trust your feelings (gut instincts I say).  It has served me well in many instances of my life.  However, what is really weird is how the things I feel the most impassioned and sure about have yet to pan out.  And I'm stuck with what seems to be.  Well it's better than nothing.  Better than nothing at all.

Back to the song.  I love Self.  I love this remake.  But I do feel the original is the best version.  However, due to the fact this version was recorded entirely on toy instruments elevates it to equal status in my eyes.  I mean, try fixing stuff with toy tools and see how far and frustrated you get.  Well done, Matt Mahaffey.  Well done.

(side note - why I call Self a "band" is because it's mainly the outlet of talented producer/songwriter Matt Mahaffey.)