Mark Ronson Version
I think it’s pretty fair to say that the name Mark Ronson has been cropping up in conversations pretty much everywhere lately. Drunken pub warblings, on the TV and radio, maybe even the topic of pillow talk who knows. What I do know is if this guy has the balls to open himself up for a possible “shoeing” by the ever forgiving and obviously cooler music press by releasing an almost entire album of covers then let it be.
It’s hard not to compare Ronson’s “Versions” to the originals but those who will have blatantly missed the point. There’ll always be the die hard Britney fans that will take obvious offence that someone has the cheek to tamper with such brilliance but “whatca gonna do huh?” Funny enough not even Ronson’s marvellous ability to make any song appealing, along with Ol Dirty Bastard’s help has managed to hide the fact that this song was surely only ever meant for nail salons and “theme” bars up and down the country and shouldn’t really be in the same track listing and songs like “Just” and “LSF”. The “Toxic” track may have been a test too strong and Robbie Williams trying to wear the shoes of Tim Burgess on an otherwise chirpy rendition of the indie classic “The Only One I know” is always going to get you hitting out for the skip button.
Don’t be put off though I think you’ll find the rest of the album is more than worth it. The opening beats of Ronson’s cover of Coldplays “God Put a Smile on Your Face” trigger memories of dancing washing machines crafted by Beck’s “Sexx Laws” tune. Amy Winehouse’s accompaniment on The Zutons “Valerie” sounds better than the original so it’s said but this album is worth buying purely on the strength of Ronson’s superb rehash of Radiohead’s “Just” that has unbelievably got a Radiohead tune into the “Scratch Perverts” record bag, now who would have thought it.
Good beats, horns for Guitars a bag full guests and Ronson’s pure cheek makes this record one for the collection.
by Neil
Follow the link below to listen to a comprehensice interview with Mark talking about his childhood, his influences and of course the new album.
Mark will take the stage with his full 11 piece band and several special guest vocalists.
Full details for the shows are as follows:
May
16th MANCHESTER, Life Café
17th LONDON, Bloomsbury BallroomTickets available now:
TICKETS ARE £10.00 (MANCHESTER) & £12.50 (LONDON)
24 HR CC HOTLINE Tel: 0871 2200 260OR BUY ONLINE WWW.GIGSANDTOURS.COM
These shows will be followed up with major festival appearances over the summer, further details to follow.
Also today April 2nd sees the long awaited download date for Mark’s first single ‘Stop Me’.
One of the most eagerly awaited singles of the year, the track is already a massive airplay hit having been Top 5 in the national airplay charts for the last few weeks and A listed at all key stations.
The pre release download will be followed up with a CD & 10” released on April 9th, as well as a 3 track exclusive iTunes EP and an additional remix download, also released on April 9th.
