Overkilling Overkill?

Hello readers, Max "the son" here. I know by now, all of you are reeling with excitement over our next post, and wondering "Golly jeepers! I wonder what they're going to write?" Well, I'm going to clear things up with you. Today, We'll be analyzing two versions of one amazing song, Overkill by the Men at Work, and answering a question that has racked the mind of music lovers for years: acoustic or original. I suppose I'll start the ball rolling here then.


A song is written a certain way for a reason. If it is a great song, such as the one in discussion, it should under no circumstances be altered in any way. I think it's such a tragedy when an artist seemingly becomes bored with their song, and decides to make a new, re-thought version of it, to breathe some fresh air into it, as it were. This barely ever ends well. Take Elvis Costello — a fantastic artist by all means, but he got bored, and started making atrocious remakes of all his best songs. If you don't believe me, than just watch this. He played around with the song, turning it into something that wouldn't even merit a rubbish bin. Now, this is not the exact case with the Overkill acoustic version, but it is the obviously inferior version. It drains away all the cheer, clever wit, and incredible vocals that make the "Men At Work" great, and instead turns it into an average song I'd expect to hear at a live performance at a seedy dive bar while eating bad, germ-filled bar nuts. It is almost more tragic to hear such a great band stoop to this level, I"d almost rather they made an awful song. So my final verdict, if I have not already made it plain, is this: Overkill is an incredible song as it was originally written and preformed, and the other version is a mere shadow of it, that is not worthy enough to remain on my ipod.

Well father dearest, it's your turn. Can't wait to see your views!


My turn. (Get it? It's a different font 'cuz it's a different person talking!) First of all, as you know, I'm a HUGE fan of Men at Work (although the acoustic version is technically just Colin Hay, NOT Men at Work), a HUGE fan of the guitar in general and a HUGE fan of acoustic music so it's no surprise that I love the acoustic version. This is not to say I think it's better than the original version, just different. Sometimes it's nice to hear a song the way it was undoubtably originally composed; a songwriter and their guitar.


Also, I think what's going on here (and with other acoustic releases we've discussed) is that I was there when the original came out and it's a part of my history, so for me, the acoustic versions are like an old friend coming to visit who's matured a little, lost a little hair, is walking a little slower but still has a lot to say and will always be welcome in my home. I suppose if I'd heard the acoustic version first then the original I might very well feel the same as you.


Anyway, either way you cut it, BOTH versions belong on the iPod and BOTH are ★★★★!

Do You Believe in Love?

The next song up is from Max's iPod — Huey Lewis and the News "Do You Believe in Love?" (from Picture This, 1982). This is one of those songs that is fun to sing along to and great to hear every year or two, but in my opinion should NOT quite make the cut to be on one's iPod. I've been accused of being a "musical elitist" for just that reason, but there it is. I do like the tight "doo-wop" harmonies and appreciate that they have an unmistakable sound that was different from other bands of that era, but still, it only ★★1/2 for me...

Now, the video is another matter entirely. I love the fun they have with it and watching it brings back a lot of good memories. Also, some serious mullets going on in the News!

Watcha think, Max??

I most definitely believe I love this song! This is the son here, and I'm proud to have this fine example of pop-rock on my ipod. I have nothing but good to say about this song, unlike the prior song I rated. This is most definitely a four star worthy song, NOT a two and half star one. The roughness of his voice and the sweetness of the melody make the perfect combination, and something that I'd definitely press the "replay" button on. Because my dad had the slightest negative thing to say about this song, I'll highly consider splitting him like a chicken, just like that weird noseless guy on Cat Balou. Do you want him to mess with you? Then, you'll make it a priority to rate this song correctly. Two and a half indeed.....Well, I told you what I'd do....

Don't say I didn't warn you! If you see this guy outside your bedroom window, you know why...