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Clash of the Cover Songs: Frank Sinatra vs. Cat Power

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!




The Song: 'New York, New York'

The Contestants: Frank Sinatra vs. Cat Power

In This Corner -- Frank Sinatra: The Chairman of the Board took on the song in 1979, which was originally titled 'Theme From New York, New York' for the Martin Scorsese-directed film. Although it was written for Liza Minnelli, who performed it in 'New York, New York,' it had become one of Sinatra's signature songs, with his version serving as the closing theme for all New York Yankees home games.

Frank Sinatra, 'New York, New York'

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In This Corner -- Cat Power: Also known as Chan Marshall, the queen of Southern melancholy indie rock, who is well known for performing songs associated with artists ranging from Pavement to Bob Dylan. On her eighth album, 'Jukebox,' her second album of other people's songs, Marshall opens with a somber and uniquely bluesy take on the tune made famous by Ol' Blue Eyes.

Cat Power, 'New York, New York'

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emmarc


The king of swing versus the queen of dream.....a tough one but the king reigns supreme.

October 25 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Antonio

Its Frank MotherF@#K Sinatra there is no comparison

October 23 2008 at 6:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Epiphone66

actually...

the yankees only play sinatra's version after home games they win. they play minelli's version after a home loss--but maybe after hearing the cat power version, that should be the new 'we lost' anthem... (and no disrespect to cat-who's cat stevens cover in the debeers commercial makes me cry everytime i hear it, just not crazy about her take on this one)

February 05 2008 at 3:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Burgo

Not knocking Cat Power at all, as I really am a big fan; but to try and compare this (a great version), with the awesomeness that is Frank's is a bit silly.
Frank's, hands down.

February 01 2008 at 12:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tc

those may be fred ebb's lyrics cat powers is singing, but that's where the comparison ends. sinatra's version is classic. even liza minelli's version is classic, to a true new yorker. and whatever you think of cat powers "new york, new york"... it's basically a different song. silly to say "who does it better". it's like saying what's a better high -- scotch, or heroin?

January 31 2008 at 1:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tcaxc

Sinatra owns this song but Cat Power has a truly amazing take on it. She deserves huge respect not only for the attempt but what she does with the song. Frankie would love this "broad." I do.

January 31 2008 at 1:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply