Clash of the Cover Songs: The Carpenters vs. Sonic Youth

Posted on Jan 23rd 2008 6:00PM by Mike Spinella
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The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!

The Song: 'Superstar'

The Contestants: The Carpenters vs. Sonic Youth

In This Corner -- the Carpenters: Though many people think this 1971 No. 2 hit for the Southern California brother-and sister pop duo was an original tune, the Carpenters' version is actually a cover song itself. 'Superstar' was written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett, members of rock and soul group Delaney & Bonnie. Originally called 'Groupie (Superstar)' and sung by Bramlett, it was released as a 1969 B-side.

The Carpenters, 'Superstar'

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In This Corner -- Sonic Youth: New York's influential experimental-noise-rock outfit took on the song back in 1994 as part of the 'If I Were a Carpenter' tribute album to Karen and Richard Carpenter. The hazy, distorted take was a highlight on the album in the mid-Nineties, and now it has new life after being featured in the ever-buzzing film 'Juno.'

Sonic Youth, 'Superstar'

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All Clash of the Covers