Originally written for, and recorded by, Nina Simone in '64, "Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" is best known by most people for the classic '65 recording by The Animals. The lyrics almost feel as though they could have been written for The Animals and their version is, for me, the definitive one. Starting off with a great guitar/organ combo before Eric Burdon's impassioned vocals pull you in, they took one hell of a song and completely transformed it into one of their own that surpassed the original. There is a very good reason why Eric Burdon is considered to have one of the most soulful, powerful voices in rock and it's there for all to hear in the raw power of "Misunderstood"
I don't do karaoke but if I did this is one of the songs I would like to get up and sing. I done karaoke once at a house party a few years ago and literally had everyone come in from all the other rooms, but sadly not for the right reasons. I did try out singing for a few bands years ago but strangely enough it never got past the first rehearsal. One can but dream....
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
I wasn't aware that the Animals version was not the original Scott. Not heard the Nina Simone version but it is hard to imagine that it is a patch on the Animals
ReplyDeleteHi CC, a very different beast is the Nina Simone version. It is a really good version but not as good as The Animals. Elvis Costello also does a fine version, and I'm not really a big fan of Mr Costello.
ReplyDeleteHello, there's a good bit in Eric Burdon's autobiography about this, backstage on tour Nina Simone apparently came over and ripped into them, saying that their version was shit. Eric turned round and told her to fuck off.
ReplyDeleteHi Artog, that sounds like my kind of autobiography. She obviously hadn't listened to it if she thought it was shit.
ReplyDeleteI zipped through it as a youth, I Used To Be An Animal, But I’m Alright Now. Excellent title and pretty good book from what I remember.
ReplyDelete...she's always struck me as even more awkward and unpleasant than Mark E Smith. Cracking version by The Animals, and yes, Elvis Costello's version is very very good
ReplyDeleteArtog - thanks for the recommendation. Will try and track a copy down
ReplyDeleteGeorge - from what I have read and heard I don't think she would have been the easiest person to please
I like Simone's recording too, but for her to diss the Animals' track indicates a hostile, insecure personality. (By the way, Scott, would you happen to have a mono version of N.S.'s? I used to have the 45 and I'm sure it wasn't in stereo.) Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Marie, sorry don't have a mono version. What blog(s) are you currently doing and do I need an invite to pop over and have a look ?
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