DEAR GOD Sarah McLachlan (cover) VS XTC (original) | GOOD COVER BAD COVER

[@markmilner842]

“You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose free will.” (The Professor) I don’t think they’re forgetting people have a choice. I think they’re expressing their own perspective, their own choice. On the real topic of the video, good cover of an excellent song.

[@chrisandersen5635]

@@markmilner842 one of the best of any time

[@1mbpdf33]

XTC are a Top 5 band for me. The muso's pop band. Colin Moulding is one of my biggest bass influences. Please do more!! 👍

[@rimskykorsakov2892]

Totally agree

[@conshea7382]

Heres a band that should be in the RRHOF with their catalog of great music

[@sethcashman1011]

Great original, great cover. Sarah really took it somewhere. On the subject of religion/beliefs, I’m parked at “believe in whatever makes you happy or gives you a sense of comfort/hope/purpose, but don’t judge others for their beliefs if they are different than yours, because, in reality, no one actually knows anything - even if they’re convinced that they do.” Re: choices/freewill… I’m a big believer (speaking of beliefs) in making the right choices and taking responsibility for your own mistakes. However, I’ve witnessed situations firsthand in which people are in predicaments which were not of their own choosing and over which they had little control. So, it’s a complex issue. But generally, I totally agree that your own decisions are everything, so you’d best make the right ones and not blame anyone else if you didn’t.

[@thecoolfatdude]

Sarah McLachlan is an amazing artist. Did she go 'mainstream' and/or 'adult contemporary'? Sure. But that doesn't take away from the magic within her music.

[@debbieplato5107]

I do remember this song but I had never heard Sarah McLachlan's version before. It was an excellent cover. She has such an ethereal voice! As for the topic I totally agree with you. I have always had a belief in God, not organized religion so much. This is a planet of freewill and it is up to you in which direction you are going to take.

[@Mike80528]

Ditto on all counts. I equate religion to *organized* religion, which is a bunch of people giving over their thought to *another person*. I cannot get behind that. Individually, I think spirituality is core to humanity...and abused by religion. In the end, it is still their choice to make...

[@alrodack4695]

Agree or not this is an example of what a great lyracist Andy Partridge is.

[@robshaw2639]

I just realized... maybe I should go check out those TMBG and/or Crash Test Dummies covers in this XTC cover collection.... I had never heard of this project, despite following all 3 of those bands...

[@coils4foil537]

Love Summer’s Cauldron from this album. Proud owner of all of their work

[@Mike80528]

Yeah, she knocked that out of the park... I do think too many people are broken at a young age and have true choice taken away from them as a result...but that becomes a heavy discussion.

[@davidparis4787]

If you like Sarah's cover, then you may also want to check out the cover by Tricky, from his 2003 album "Vulnerable", which also includes a cover of The Cure's "Love Cats".

[@toddc28]

I love this song! And I'm a lifelong Catholic and a religious person. I remember when I heard it on MTV when it was first released and realized right away it was a great song and at the same time its lyrical content would be very controversial and turn people off. There are many ways you can interpret the lyrics but regardless It's a frickin awesome song. I know many people will hear it as an anthem for atheists. I don't think Andy Partridge meant it that way. It was released as a non-album single at first. I think because Andy may have thought it was too controversial and not in alignment with his own beliefs. I also know many people (XTC fans) who upon hearing it would automatically swear off XTC for good and never listen to them again. I believe it's open to one's own interpretation. My own personal belief is that the song speaks for many of us believers who have faith but struggle with the problem of evil. One can believe in God and have doubts and ask God where is he when our world is in the shitter. Just read some of the prophets from the Old Testament of the bible. How they complained against God in their despair. Who among us does not despair or question God at times? Anyway, that my two cents. I think the song is really a masterpiece both musically and lyrically. And I do enjoy Sarah's cover too! Sorry for the long post.

[@williamhinchcliff6290]

I'm a huge Sarah fan and a huge fan of this song, but I didn't know this cover existed so thanks for helping me learn. All of that aside, you are right - her version is better. :D

[@victorbortolussi2964]

XTC 's earlier music has a little skiffle influence. It's more quirky/new wave and then when they stopped playing live they got a bit more folky and experimental and Psychedelic ( check there side project.. The Dukes of Stratosphear). If someone says I'm never listening to them again because of the lyrics, it kind of makes his point. " we can't make opinions meet about God" . Most religions have more in common than not, but its all my god is better than your god! If Jesus came back today the religious right would call him a hippie liberal with all his feed the hungry, heal the sick Wokeness! Lol. Best way to go through life is very easy... Don't Be A Dick!!!

[@DarylBark]

Yes but only as long as we still have a choice. The problem is that the Over Zealous would love to take our choices away.

[@chrisandersen5635]

Andy Partridge originally did not put it on the album because of exactly what you just said Justin. It was the b-side of the single ‘Grass’, and dj’s started playing this song instead of the a-side. Consequently, it was added to all subsequent pressings of the album. And yes, he got a lot of hate mail for it. I’ve loved Sarah’s version since that tribute album came out. Easily the best thing on there.

[@sterlingmarshel6299]

Ther is no better hate than Christian hate. Go figure

[@robshaw2639]

OK - i've listened twice more after the first time this morning, and yes, this joins T-Pain War Pigs as the 2nd GCBC that I'm going to revisit regularly... as always, it depends on my mood what I want to hear, so it doesn't make sense to rank them 1st and 2nd... and also depending on my mood, I might want to hear Andy talking in-your-face to you-know-who over this cover... But yes, my top 2 GCBC (in no particular order) is this one and T-Pain War Pigs...

[@toddashton9696]

I liked both versions, but enjoyed Sarah's version a little more, possibly due to her vocals. I had not heard the original by XTC before, and liked some of the choices they made in the song. Agreed with your comments. Take responsibility for your actions and choices. In tough situations I have never regretted taking "the high road", but have often been disappointed /ashamed when I didn't.

[@rimskykorsakov2892]

"better than the original" don't be ridiculous.... It's good but not better

[@brianbannon6200]

Good cover. " I believe in love and that's faith enough for me" ! A quote from Neil! Great reaction!

[@wintermoonomen]

Choices are sometimes made because of mental health issues, addictions, trauma, desperation, survival mode.

[@kevinhampton6986]

This is how you cover a song. And as far as the lyrics go, I believe that you can like a song whether or not you agree with the message. I know people who enjoy gospel music but have nothing to do with religion otherwise. Same goes for songs with political statements of one degree or another.

[@katskillz]

I remember when this was on KROQ. It wasn't even recognizably "alternative" compared to what else was out there. Folk. But the lyrics were edgy "alternative" I guess. Neil probably wished he wrote them.

[@robshaw2639]

I'm guessing it's the filters on the algorithm, but Mayor of Simpleton is around 3K views, but this "higher impact" track is still at 1K views... I'm guessing the algorithm shys away from vids that it find maybe "controversial"... Anyway - just to reiterate my initial music opinon... Yes, Sarah *nails* it... 😁

[@robshaw2639]

Wow. I didn't see this one coming... I like that she did a sincere cover, because this could be an easy song to gravitate to if you're looking for the same sentiment in the message, but that's not why she covered it... (I wonder how Sinead might have covered it?). It's clear who Andy is talking to in the original, but it's more subtle in the cover - this could be more of an internal debate by the singer when you hear Sarah's version...

[@wintermoonomen]

Or you can make a choice on proven facts Great reaction. I vote for the original.

[@DJeffvegas1]

Awesome McLachlan.

[@jtenaz]

Andy Partridge loves that cover.

[@angelariebli4843]

That was CRAZY good!! Go Sarah!!

[@danarchuleta1154]

Agree J! Really like Sarah M.'s rendition/composition. Those of us who are at an advantage share the responsibility to lift those who are downtrodden or disadvantaged for any number of reasons, IMO. If this approach and mentality comes from Bible verses (i.e. Your brother's keeper....) than so be it. Nice discussion....beautiful cover!

[@stephanechamberland8486]

Great original and cover song !

[@billmclean2995]

Got one good cover or bad cover a band called foot in cold water against helix song is called( make me do)

[@massimilianopraticelli8986]

I love both XTC and Sarah Mclachlan, both incredibly great musicians. Personally, I disagree with you that Sarah made it better than the original. The reason why I say this is that even though Sarah's cover version sounds more refined and objectively nicer to the ears, I feel that it doesn't convey what the song is saying with the same effectiveness, music and lyrics have a bit of a mismatch, for the most part. I agree with you that you can enjoy the music even if you don't agree with what the lyrics say, however music and lyrics are usually two elements that work together, music is just another kind of language different from speech, so it's actually two overlapped languages working together. The technical side of music is just a system of tools to create the language. Sarah is musically on a different wavelength than XTC, they have different stories and influences and she shows the best side of herself as a musician when she performs her own music. If you have the chance, listen to her album "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy", it's absolutely mind-blowing. The original version of "Dear God" is starker and harsher to the ears, which works more in favour of what Andy Partridge wanted to say with it. With regards to the message, I think you took the lyrics too literally: Andy was not blaming anyone or anything, he was saying that the concept of a perfect creator, which the Judeo-christian world strongly believes in, is highly contradictory and doesn't make sense to him. The fact that he is addressing God directly is a figure of speech. Not trying to convince you of anything of course, I just want to make his point clear, in full respect of your ideas. From your point of view, I can understand that these lyrics make you get a bit defensive, but it's cool. Cheers!

[@oldgoldandblack1]

It’s a challenging song lyrically, and sometimes that makes it difficult to listen to, but I think that’s ok. For a lot of people, it’s the only skip on Skylarking, just because it can be uncomfortable.

[@sterlingmarshel6299]

Life is uncomfortable. Think for yourself

[@danielwolski873]

If Sarah Mclachlan covers a song, it automatically becomes better.

[@rogerpatton2242]

😄😄😄😄😄good one.

[@stevegirardmedia2255]

It's just spelled out: X-T-C. (the 'ecstasy' connection is just pretty much inferred.) The one thing Karl Marx was apparently right about is that "religion is the opium of the masses." To believe in the supernatural in this day and age is very strange to me... and apparently it was to Andy Partridge almost 40 years ago... and remains at least as big a cause of strife as it may be of comfort.

[@JimboKM]

A song I've never heard and two artists I have a good feeling about while never hearing more than two or three songs from. I've had preconceived judgements on some of your GCBC reactions that kept me away. I really liked this. I vote XTC. Guess I like skiffle.

[@robshaw2639]

This is a great channel for discovering new music in almost any genre - and Justin is down-to-earth - he's going to give you a genuine, honest opinion, whether good or bad.

[@rogerpatton2242]

Ex Tee Cee.

[@BradReddekopp]

No, you can't really choose whether or not you believe something. At least, not if you're trying to be at all rational about it. I cannot simply choose to believe in God because it seems like a socially acceptable route to go when my rational faculties are telling me very clearly that there are no good reasons to believe in anything supernatural. I suppose one can choose to believe absolutely anything if one chooses to throw rationality out the window but that's a pretty shitty strategy, I think. That said, Sarah's version is surprisingly passionate. I love both versions but I find hers more moving.

[@JustinPanariello]

belief in anything does not need to be rational. Belief requires trust, it does not require proof... as you can see all around you in what people trust and believe in. People can 'see' proof or think they see proof or rationalize proof and that will just further their trust. Ultimately its whatever makes you happy and you're good with. Doesn't make one right or one wrong.

[@BradReddekopp]

​@@JustinPanariello Well, either God exists or it doesn't. One view is accurate while the other is not.

[@robshaw2639]

Wait. I think I heard somewhere that God is a Bullet? (sorry, there's no way - *no way* that I'm not going for this comment... 😙)

[@sicko_the_ew]

The Beatles started out as a skiffle band, I've heard.

[@dave-jk6en]

Yeah the Quarry Men

[@rickthestiks9240]

i always thought it was a little girl voice at the begining, l.o.l.🤷‍♂🤔🙏

[@1mbpdf33]

It is on the record. Director chose a boy for the video 🤷‍♂️

[@PalimpsestProd]

I believe in fondue. Do you believe in fondue?

[@rimskykorsakov2892]

Sounds a bit cheesy to me

[@PalimpsestProd]

Sarah didn't make it better but Todd did an excellent re-arrangement. Up there with Devo's Satisfaction. BTW the "choices" you're talking about have nothing to do with the actual existence or non-existence of god.

[@JustinPanariello]

the actual existence or non existence of god is a choice. That's what I'm saying. Choosing to see god or not is your choice. etc etc.

[@rumourhats]

Great XTC song. This how you write an atheist anthem Neil! 😆

[@kasperg5634]

When religion encroaches on your freedoms just call that choice. Wrong about the topic and about the best version.other than that, good job.

[@michaelkeefe8494]

LOL, you start out reading lyrics and before you know it you're doing poetry reactions.

[@seanmurphy1614]

When I first heard this song (the original XTC version), only two weeks ago I was blown away by the music; I love chord progressions and this one is particularly good, even down to the last Classical 'Tierce da Picardy' chord. It was only after I looked it up did I read the lyrics and tbh I'm not worried about them. It's Art and should invite discussion and opinion. I love Sarah McLachlan's superb vocals but I'm not enamoured by the highly produced modern instrumentation. The original is raw and I think suits the message and mood (anger). Her's is a more reflective and 'sanitised for the masses' production...but maybe that's my age showing!

[@craigireland5629]

I totally agree. Hers is definitely a sanitised version and i don't like it at all

[@frugalseverin2282]

For me yes everyone has a choice what to believe in. But that stops being true when those beliefs become law. People's prejudices stop gay marriage and adoption and outlaw abortion. Some people want to force the death penalty on anyone who performs or gets an abortion. They want to ban contraception, put an end to pride parades and drag shows. Believe what you like but don't force others to live according to your particular narrow beliefs.

[@JustinPanariello]

Accurate. And it goes both ways.

[@sterlingmarshel6299]

True not everyone belongs to that book club

[@donnelson6694]

Good cover. I love both versions musically. However, I choose to not like the lyrics.

[@windyhillbomber]

But what if by chance you were born in India and went to a Hindu school. You would think God is a weird idea.