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johnny cash playing on mexican radio

rjbs on 2008-07-13T17:53:40

I really liked "Mexican Radio," the one hit by one-hit wonder Wall of Voodoo. I bought their album, Call of the West, in college, and I liked it, and that was that. I didn't know they'd been around before or after that album, and hadn't really thought to look into it.

I should've, though. I mean, did you know that Arrested Development, the hip hop group that brought us Mr. Wendell and Tennessee are still producing new music? I didn't think so!

Anyway, it turns out that they did have other material, including an EP with a cover of Cash's Ring of Fire. I found out on Friday when Pandora decided to play it for me. Pandora has brought me lots of great music, but this may be the best track they've brought me so far.

Seven Days in Sammystown

elliot on 2008-07-13T18:08:19

Interestingly, I had never heard Mexican Radio until years after I got into Far Side of Crazy. I prefer the latter.

Can't Stop the Show

barbie on 2008-07-13T20:08:38

Are you saying you've not heard of Stan Ridgway either? His solo success is effectively what happened after Wall Of Voodoo :) Remember the clasic 'Camouflage', along with 'Calling Out to Carol', 'Don't Box Me In' and my favourite 'Can't Complain'? He's still writing and recording, although I haven't heard his more recent stuff.

Re:Can't Stop the Show

rjbs on 2008-07-13T21:49:09

I... remember... none of that. I will have to go a-samplin'.

All time best cover song

runrig on 2008-07-14T16:41:39

I still have that EP, and the first two LP's (Dark Continent, Call Of The West) on vinyl. "Ring of Fire" is great...towards the end it sounds like a nightmare at a haunted house (IIRC, they started out wanting to do horror film soundtracks). The instrumental "On I-15" and the title track "Call of the West" on the 3rd album are also among my favorites. I saw them once with Stan Ridgeway (opening for The Residents) and (later) once without. Both great shows...

Re:All time best cover song

rjbs on 2008-07-14T17:43:30

It's a very good cover, but best ever? So far, my vote goes for Devo's cover of Satisfaction. "Clearly" better than the original.

Re:All time best cover song

runrig on 2008-07-14T19:33:52

Devo?!?! No, best cover of "Satisfaction" is by The Residents. Depending on your definition of "best", of course. (If your definition includes "most guaranteed to clear a room", then The Residents win, hands down).

Re:All time best cover song (link)

runrig on 2008-07-15T06:10:44

I have the version on yellow vinyl.

Re:All time best cover song

runrig on 2008-07-14T21:41:21

Interesting/memorable side note: at the above mentioned WOV/Residents concert, there was a couple that sat down in front of us after WOV was done with their set. We heard them expressing relief that although they missed the opening act, at least they got there in time for WOV. We gave them the bad news "uh, sorry...WOV was the opening act!"