Results of last week’s battle: Who did it better? Elvis Costello or The Lemonheads?
Two versions of an incredible song made famous by the under-appreciated Terence Trent D’Arby, “Sign Your Name”. First up, a poppy version by Heaven 17 (whose Martyn Ware produced the original D’Arby version), and a slower, latin influenced version by The Dead Science.
Purchase links (where available):
“Sign Your Name” – Terence Trent D’Arby (the original) (
)
“Sign Your Name” – Heaven 17 w/Elly Jackson of La Roux (unavailable)
“Sign Your Name” – The Dead Science ()
Which version makes the butterflies in you arise?
Listen to the podcast featuring both songs:
[audio: http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/backbeat.cachefly.net/coverville/audio/Coverville-WDIB-034-SignYourName.mp3]
Or Download
How can such a good song be done so badly -Twice! Come on Brian I know that you can do better. My ears are still sore from hearing theses abominations. If you don’t have any listenable versions I suggest that you try the acapella version by The Original Flying Pickets as a good starting place.
Now, I thought I was pretty clear about my opinion of the Heaven 17 track – but I really do like the Dead Science version. However, that was before I heard the Flying Pickets version, which might call for the first rematch in Who Did It Better history. We’ll have to see what else comes up as a potential contender. The Sweptaways? Sheryl Crow?
Another enthusiastic vote for The Flying Pickets – these other two are just terrible. Years (many, many years) ago I saw Mr. D’Arby in concert and he sang an A Capella version of Sign Your Name that was probably the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. I have always loved this song…until I heard Heaven 17 and The Dead Science. Thank God Lookingglass Dan swooped in with the Flying Pickets save! Thanks Dan!
Always there with a cover suggestion.
There are passable versions by Christina Dona, The Nylons, Mollie O’Brien and Courtney Pine even Sheryl Crow would be better. If you want a latin infused dance version you can’t go wrong with Hotel Buenavida.
I apologize if I seem harsh with my criticisms I do not intend to offend. I love the podcast and who did it better is always an interesting listen.
Thanks for doing what you do Brian.
I nominate another a cappella version, the House Jacks’ live cover on “Drive.”
I ended up voting for Heaven 17 simply because I like Elly Jackson and I didn’t fall asleep listening to that version, unlike the snoozefest that is the Dead Science version. But, in all honesty, I should have chosen neither.
I totally agree! In the spirit of Coverville, as the question is asked, Who did it better?, given the choices, I voted for Heaven 17.
The Dead Science singer may indeed soon be dead and beyond the reach of science. Sharp, shallow intakes of breath are not a good sign, and I heard every one on that recording.
Sorry Brian, I just listened to the 93 Itunes samples for this song, and even the karaoke versions are better than these two. Some that stood out to me: Axxis, Maria Kohnke (Brian, I think you’ll like this one), Nadir, and Hotel Buenavida
When I heard it on the Jonathan Ross BBC Radio 2 show, it was during a La Roux guest shot, and I recall having respect for the stripped-down synthpop of this recording and the live songs they performed during Wossy’s show itself. I’m definitely a sucker for synthpop, be it oldschool or new retro stuff.
Oh my! These versions were both just so terrible. Mercy please.
Wow. Heaven 17 version was horrid. Peewee league baseball has more accurate pitching. The second one had potential, but needed to be faster, some mild percussion, and a less breathy vocal performance. I do not like them Sam I am.