Now here’s a case of a song I’ve known for years in different forms, but I had no idea it was originally written and performed by Buzzcocks.
I didn’t really know anything at all about Buzzcocks, aside from their name, until looking them up for this blog entry. Turns our they’re one of the very first punk bands and a huge influence on decades of music that followed their mid-70s debut.
‘Ever Fallen in Love’ is their most famous, and most covered, song. I first heard it performed by Fine Young Cannibals 21 years ago, with Roland Gift slowing things way down. I heard it more recently on the Shrek 2 soundtrack covered by Pete Yorn and figured it was his original song (I didn’t make the Fine Young Cannibals connection). I was impressed that Yorn had penned such a powerful, compact burst of melodic adrenaline.
But he didn’t. Buzzcocks did. Here they are:
Meet Me In Montauk 
I like Pete Yorn’s version better, but it’s always nice to give credit to the originators. Here’s to the Buzzcocks – honestly, what a name.
sorry, I can’t get pass the name.
I don’t remember the FYC version. Yorn’s version isn’t really so different from this one. I guess what I find interesting is how “radical” music becomes so much more tame and listenable as we grow more accustomed to the sound. I suspect that anybody over 40 in the 70’s would have quickly changed the dial upon hearing this song (or songs by teh Velvet Underground, Costello, Sex Pistols, etc…) Now, this song actually sounds fairly mainstream, even commercial.
The band’s name may be shocking, but not nearly as shocking as their female band counterparts at the time…that’s right…wait for it….The ShavedPu…
I love the Nouvelle Vague version. If you haven’t heard that (or other Nouvelle Vague songs) go here – http://shivzoid.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/artist-alert-nouvelle-vague/