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Clash of the Cover Songs: Paul Simon vs. Jens Lekman

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: 'You Can Call Me Al'

The Contestants:
Paul Simon vs. Jens Lekman

In This Corner -- Paul Simon: 'You Can Call Me Al' served as the first single from Simon's 1986 album, 'Graceland,' and is certainly remembered for its video, which featured Chevy Chase lip-syncing the tune. Simon, meanwhile, served as Chase's sidekick, providing backing vocals, flute and nailing Bakithi Kumalo's bongo solo. The infectious tune was given new life in the '90s as a theme song for Al Gore's campaign for vice president in 1992.

Paul Simon, 'You Can Call Me Al'

Buy it on iTunes


In This Corner -- Jens Lekman: The Swedish singer-songwriter is know for his off-the-cuff covers. This time, the indie popper took on Mr. Simon's hit. Lekman's jangly rendition is only a mild transformation of the tune and would have flowed nicely on Lekman's latest album, 'Night Falls Over Kortedala.'

Jens Lekman, 'You Can Call Me Al'



Next Clash

Posted by Mike Spinella on Apr 10th 2008 2:00PM
Filed under: Clash of the Cover Songs

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