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: 'Panic'

The Contestants: The Smiths vs. Spoon

In This Corner -- The Smiths: Hailed by many as one of the most influential indie rock groups to emerge from 1980s England, the Morrissey-fronted Manchester quartet rose from indie-rock unknowns to superstardom in no time. 'Panic' was never released on a studio album but has been included on several Smiths compilations and was named No. 21 on NME's list of 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.

The Smiths, 'Panic'


In This Corner -- Spoon: The indie rockers, most associated with the Austin scene, have performed their version of the Smiths classic at several shows. They add a little of their twangy sound to the original's very '80s synth-sounding vibe. Though there's really no way to re-create Morrissey's voice, it's not too shabby.

Spoon, 'Panic'