Akeem McLennon
Recycled Music
One of the interesting things about music and other art forms is that it can be reused over and over again to form something new. As I’ve come to find out, “remixes” are often a tool used by the music industry to milk the royalties of a song for all it’s worth. However, remixes and covers can be a refreshing mix between the new and old if done correctly. When I first heard “Misunderstood” by Common, I always wondered where its introduction came from. Eventually, I came closer to an answer when I heard “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by The Animals. Although I was initially impressed that Common borrowed part of his song from a classic rock band, I suspected that The Animals didn’t make the only version simply because they’re so different from what most rappers would be interested in. After a bit of googling, I stumbled on a site called SecondHandSongs.com and found out that it was originally done by Nina Simone. In fact, it was covered 13 times without including Common’s introduction. I just find it interesting how a 1964 blue’s song can find its way in a 2007 rap song.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:14 pm
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