Music & Culture

Weekend LISTening: Me And My Shadows

by Talia Schlanger

Ranking Roger of The English Beat, performing in May 28, 1983. The group's rework of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' "The Tears of a Clown" reimagined the sterling soul hit as a bouncing slice of ska.
Ranking Roger of The English Beat, performing in May 28, 1983. The group's rework of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' "The Tears of a Clown" reimagined the sterling soul hit as a bouncing slice of ska. Paul Natkin / Getty Images

Ever hear a song that you know you've heard performed by another artist and wonder: Who did it first? Well, we are tackling that question in an ongoing series, "Me and My Shadows," where we pair original songs with covers that might just blow your musical mind.

Some covers bring together artists from completely different sonic worlds, like The English Beat's ska take on Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' Motown classic "Tears of a Clown." Other covers make you hear a song you've heard many times before in a totally new way — see Aurora's take on David Bowie's "Life on Mars."

It's a Spotify playlist of fresh takes on songs you know, paired with the originals you love. Take cover and follow the playlist as we'll continue to add songs over time as we revisit the series on the show!

Copyright 2017 XPN. To see more, visit XPN.

300x250 Ad

300x250 Ad

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Donate