Cover Charge is simple: A covers B, B covers C, C covers D and so on, until I loop back to where I started, Ouroboros-style.
Last time: Kate Bush to Elton John
He's been around a while, has Elton. And he's recorded a fair number of covers in that time. Here he is, lending his undoubted skill tickling the ivories and his Teflon-coated vocals to a live performance of It's a Sin for the 2021 Brit Awards. It's a duet with Years And Years, about whom I know nothing (and have no motivation to find out about, either). Honestly though, compare the timbre of Elton's voice in this with the early 70s Rocket Man in the last post. What a change.
Around the time this came out, in 1987, Pet Shop Boys were massive and could do no wrong. Their brand of arty synth-pop with orchestral pretensions, coupled with arch, semi-spoken vocals, went down so well with the record-buying public. They certainly knew, and continue to know, their way around a hook. Did you know, they've sold over 100 million records worldwide, have had 42 top 30 UK hits, 22 top tens and four number ones? (Thanks, Wikipedia). In 1999 the Guinness Book of World Records decreed them the most successful duo in UK music history - blimey! And just think, none of that would have happened if Neil Tennant hadn't needed a lead for his Korg, leading to a chance meeting with Chris Lowe in a hi-fi shop. Jonbar points, eh? Anyway, here's the original It's a Sin.
Next time: PSB become PSG&B...
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