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

Posted on Apr 10th 2008 2:00PM by Mike Spinella
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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'

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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'

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