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August 24, 2007

Paul Anka Covers The Killers

Last time Paul Anka put out a covers album, we sorta went bonkers over it. Ankaman's croon and those horny arrangements reimagining Soundgarden/Oasis/R.E.M./Nirvana/The Cure as swing tunes somehow added up to perfect road-trip music. In fact, you should get it.

Last time the tracklist had our demographic in mind, making it easy to appreciate the ironic shmaltz. Second time around, though, it's mostly just schmaltz (Bryan Adams, Daniel Powter, etc.) Still, Paul's new platter isn't without glorious moments of swingin' lipsmacking silliness. Consider his take on "Mr. Brightside" as our case in chief on that one. Actually, the lyrics are perfect for what Anka's going for; "Destiny is calling me" soars over show-tune horn charts built for Vegas -- which makes sense if you think about it. But don't think about it. Just download and make your friends giggle.

 

Paul Anka - "Mr. Brightside" (MP3)

Classic Songs My Way is out 8/28 on Decca. Check the tracklist:

01 "Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper)
02 "Get Here" (Oleta Adams)
03 "Mr. Brightside" (The Killers)
04 "Waiting For A Girl Like You" (Foreigner)
05 "Ordinary World" (Duran Duran)
06 "Heaven" (Bryan Adams)
07 "Bad Day" (Daniel Powter)
08 "I Go To Extremes" (Billy Joel)
09 "Both Sides Now" (Joni MItchell)
10 "(You Are My) Destiny" (Paul Anka w/ Michael Buble)
11 "Walking In Memphis" (Marc Cohn)
12 "Against The Wind" (Bob Seger)
13 "My Way" (Anka duet)

Posted at 6:28 PM in
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17 Comments

Ummmm, no thanks.

Posted by: yomomma at 08/24/07 7:11 PM | Reply
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whats that ref=stereogum business all about in the amazon link? do you make money every time someone buys it via that link, or when they look at it?

Posted by: Evan at 08/24/07 7:44 PM | Reply
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Awesome, now I know what I'm getting my mom for Christmas. I think the last Paul Anka covers thing is her favorite album of the decade.

Posted by: margaret at 08/24/07 8:02 PM | Reply
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Interesting. personally, I think its funny. I like hearing this stuff but I don’t think it will find a heavy rotation in my iPod. Seeing how this isn’t 1940 and all. But I dig the killers so goodtimes.

Posted by: Brian at 08/24/07 8:12 PM | Reply
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um...so guys - I started a thoughtful, homegrown internet radio station...it's kicking ass.

come hang out, stereogum/squarepusher picks run wild.

My best.

Seth

-Paul Anka is a god.

Posted by: KLOCradio at 08/24/07 9:13 PM | Reply
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I generally like his sort of music. This concept is kind of... meh, though. I don't know. It's really hit or miss. LOL @ The Killers.

Evan, I believe they make a little money if you buy through that link. I don't believe they make any money by your looking at it.

Posted by: The Other Matthew at 08/25/07 2:03 AM | Reply
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I think Paul Anka is under-rated. I don't listen to him often, but when I do I'm not sad that I did.

Posted by: Rob at 08/25/07 2:11 AM | Reply
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This just sounds kinda wrong. There isn't enough of a vocal melody in the verse to fit into a swing song, so it ends up sounding monotonous and irritating.

Posted by: stephen at 08/25/07 7:22 AM | Reply
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This second album was DEFINITELY put together with my mom in mind. I'm excited to hear what "Walking in Memphis" is gonna sound like,though.

ps: I wanna make that Daniel Powter guy's day worse by punching him in the face. I fucking loathe that song.

Posted by: Xlynn at 08/25/07 8:28 AM | Reply
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Are you sure this isn't Richard Cheese singing?

Posted by: Kurt C. at 08/25/07 10:51 AM | Reply
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The Craze in Studio from Michael and Vimeo.

Posted by: the craze at 08/26/07 5:37 AM | Reply
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They should have just had Paul Anka cover everybody on "This is next" and released that instead.

Posted by: christoball at 08/26/07 10:05 PM | Reply
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Paul Anka?

Did the guys finally get shirts?

Because that's just...the fucking...way...it is.

Posted by: Bender Bending Rodriguez at 08/27/07 11:19 AM | Reply
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hahaha, that is awesome! kind of reminds me of will ferrel as Robert Gulet

"POPPA!"

Posted by: jdubs at 08/27/07 4:07 PM | Reply
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é...ficou meio estranho...

Posted by: jeh at 08/29/07 4:48 PM | Reply
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lg15radio.com -something to do while you surf SG.

Posted by: KLOC at 09/14/07 9:46 PM | Reply
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Interesting cover idea! Good on you Paul!

Posted by: Paul Anka Fan at 11/20/07 4:55 AM | Reply
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