The Gloria Jones Challenge is our ongoing examination of the many, many, many covers of Jones’ classic Northern Soul jam “Tainted Love” – to see how they stack up compared to the original.
Today’s challenger gives it one of the most inventive treatments yet.
But first the original by which all others must be judged.
And now today’s challenger, Hannah Peel and her music box.
Postcard ChaCha: I think Hannah Peel wins for the most melodic version of Tainted Love. Although it’s a bit sparse, those sweet little music box twinkles and her charming accent make this a tame, but interesting take on our old favorite.
Postcard Editor: While I think an entire set, or album from Hannah Peel could drift from adorable and clever into sort of one sided and gimmicky, this stand alone version of Tainted Love is just about perfect. In stripping it down to the most basic elements of the melody she has exposed the beating heart of the song in an almost transformative manner.
CHALLENGER STANDINGS ACCORDING TO CHACHA:
1. Dave Phillips
2. Stella Starlight Trio
3. Max Raabe
4. The Re-Entrants
5. My Brightest Diamond
6. Hannah Peel
7. Ruth Swan(n)
8. Marilyn Manson
9. East German Polka Band
10. The Swampy’s
11. Bilal
12. Inspiral Carpets
13. Bluekilla
14. Alejandra Guzman
15. Shades Apart
16. Pussycat Dolls
17. Blues MAMA
18. Straight No Chaser
19. Coil
20. Access Zero
21. Impedance
22. Ashley Nicole
CHALLENGER STANDINGS ACCORDING TO EDITOR:
1. Shades Apart
2. Dave Phillips
3. East German Polka Band
4. Bilal
5. Inspiral Carpets
6. Hannah Peel
7. My Brightest Diamond
8. Marilyn Manson
9. The Re-Entrants
10. Ruth Swan(n)
11. Coil
12. The Swampy’s
13. Alejandra Guzman
14. Pussycat Dolls
15. Bluekilla
16. Straight No Chaser
17. Impedance
18. Blues MAMA
19. Max Raabe
20. Stella Starlight Trio
21. Access Zero
22. Ashley Nicole
Leave a Reply