April 8: Songs that have been murdered.

My first education in someone ruining a decent song happened at my fathers house when I was 14.

My sister was only little, and my Caro-Mumma and I were watching our Saturday Morning show: Rage. All of a sudden, as I’m watching a film clip by the Slinkee Minx, I hear Caro-Mumma go “Oh no they didn’t… they did… I loved this song… THEY’VE BUTCHERED IT!” What were they singing? Belinda Carlisle’s “Summer Rain.”

I believe it was this instance that made me appreciate the originals and know how to pick up on remakes that were sub-standard.

A more recent one is Jason Derulo’s version of Toto’s Africa. Daniel’s favorite song is Africa, and while I don’t particularly like it, I hate Derulo’s version even more. A song, that I think I dislike more for the annoyance it gives Daniel than anything, which was inspirational and pleasant to the ear, was mixed in with a voice and music that didn’t mesh right.

So, when Derulo’s version came on the radio today, it was the inspiration for tonights blog: My list of butchered songs.

• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Originally by Cyndi Lauper and remade by Miley Cyrus
• American Pie – Originally by Don MacLean and remade by Madonna
• Sweet Child O’ Mine – Originally by G’n’R and remade by Sheryl Crowe
• These Boots Were made For Walking – Originally by Nancy Sinatra, remade by Jessica Simpson
• BallRoom Blitz – Originally by Sweet, remade by Tia Carerra
• Papa Don’t Preach – Originally by Madonna, remade by Kelly Osbourne
• We Will Rock You – Originally by Queen and remade by 5ive
• Tainted Love – Originally by Gloria Jones, made famous by Soft Cell, remade by PussyCat Dolls
• Heaven – Bryan Adams, remade by DJ Sammy
• The Tide is High – Originally sung by Bob Marley, then successfully rehashed by Blondie, remade by Atomic Kitten
• Do Ya Think I’m Sexy – Originally by Rod Stewart, remade by Paris Hilton
• You Shook Me All Night Long – Originally by AC/DC, remade by Celine Dion
• I Love Rock and Roll – Originally by Alan Merril and Jake Hooker, but Joan Jett made it big. It was Remade by Britney Spears
• Ring Of Fire – Originally by Anita Carpenter, but made famous by Johnny Cash, and remade by Olivia Newton John
• Fuel – Originally by Metallica, and absolutely murdered remade by Avril LaVigne
• Take On Me – Originally by Ah-Ha, and remade by The Jonas Brothers

And I can’t forget, Derulo’s version of Africa.

Now, these are all obviously only my opinions, and I would love to hear yours. Do you have something to add to this list? Is there one you disagree with? Shoot me a comment and let me know!