Sunday, June 7, 2009

If I Seem to Come On Too Strong I Hope That You Will Understand

Today, the Life & Times of Michael5000 turns two, and we're celebrating with the release of a new michael5000 song for your grooving pleasure! Or not, as the case may be.

So. We all have songs that we like despite ourselves. The song that we are discussing right now, for instance -- if you were to tell me that it is sleazy, sexist, and a notorious representative of the very worst species of lite 1970s pop dreck, I would not fight you on it. In fact, I would agree with you. And yet, this does not seem to blot out the affection I feel for it.

"What song?" you ask. Why, I'm talking about the 1978 hit by Dr. Hook that reached #6 on the Billboard charts. Surely you remember "Sharing the Night Together."

Here's the original:




And here's my brand new cover, fresh mixed today using state-of-the-low-budget eight-track technology! [Keep in mind that home recordings are often quieter than commercial music, so you may have to get the volume up to hear it.]



















So. Yeah.

13 comments:

Rebel said...

oh my lord

Is your version supposed to sound that fast? It kinda kills the mood... you know the pathetic sitting in a bar alone hoping to get someone drunk enough to go home with you mood. Yours sounds positively upbeat.

Michael5000 said...

@Reb: My version clocks in at two minutes, of which the song proper is about a minute and a half. I can play it in a little under a minute, but it's hard for me to keep it under control that fast. It was not my intention to reproduce the mood of the original.

Morgan said...

This is one of those times when I like the cover better than the original. I like your singing voice. You need to do more songs!

mrs.5000 said...

Confession: I never thought about how creepy this song was until I heard my husband singing it at this tempo. I was going to laugh at Rebel for calling it "upbeat," because this rendition makes me think of one of those sad, manic twitchy guys, but on another listen I can concede he's kinda likable in his hopefulness. I'd definitely want to avoid making eye contact, except we've already hooked up.

margaret said...

Nice! I enjoy the point-counterpoint of the two versions, altho I am sad for the fellow's shirt buttons having all popped off, and his hair.

And agreed with Morgan, you sing good. It's all very romantical in geek-boy way (sad to see perhaps Mrs. 5k does not wholly feel this way, but give her time).

Thanks for sharing!

Rebel said...

M5K - "It was not my intention to reproduce the mood of the original." Probably for the best.


Mrs5K - for richer, for poorer, for creepy renditions of sleazy 70s ballads...

Ben said...

A definite improvement over the original. When do you release the video?

Beth Handley said...

I vastly prefer your cover. Could be an anthem for speed dating trend.

Jennifer said...

Ben, I had the same question!

boo said...

YEAAAAAAAAAAAH!

I am so glad I have that page bookmarked.

I like it!

jennyj said...

Nice work Michael. I always love hearing your songs. I agree...you have a wonderful singing voice. :)

Chance said...

Terrific cover. I was initially put off by the speed, but I really think it improves hugely the original all things considered.

...The creepy, creepy, original. "Oh yeah, awright..." Brrrrrr.

Jenners said...

I'll have to give this a listen when there is no gunfire in the background. (computer game ... don't be concerned for my safety). But why you needed to cover this, I'll never know. And thanks...now that version I know is going through my head.