Blog Assignment #5: Comparing "Red Right Hand"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrxePKps87k&ob=av2n (Nick Cave, Original Version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7psIbGeoij0 (Arctic Monkeys, Cover Version)

            Lyrically there are no changes to the song. However, the way they are sung, gives them different meaning. They're both about a strange man who seems to have control of the whole world and can do whatever he pleases. Nick Cave however, seems to be most content with the man and is giving more of a warning about the man. As if he is telling a small child to watch out for this guy. The Arctic Monkey's version (sung by the fantastic Alex Turner) seems to be sung much more in fear. Alex Turner has an urgency in his voice, as if the man is watching from over his shoulder over the whole song. However, Turner seems to have control as if he is cooling warning you from a stool at a bar. It's almost as if Turner was the child Nick Cave had warned and he's at the back of a bar telling you all that has happened. Lyrically this song is fantastic, and due to the style the Arctic Monkeys' adapted during this time, this cover fits well with the rest of their material. Lyrically this song is very Arctic Monkeys's just as it is Nick Cave's song. Both singers take the song and make it their own.
            The Melody is also the same. Turner's vocal pattern is the same as Nick Cave's and is sung also the exact same. The melody in the organ and guitar solo's are also the same. The cover (just as they did with the lyrics) keeps the integrity of the original melody, and amps the speed up. The organs both play the mysterious lead melody that feels as if the man with the red right hand is right there with the band, and is always watching. The Melody is simple, yet dark and dirty. It helps the lyrically vibe move forward, and creates the atmosphere.
            The Monkeys made a few changes to the song. Rhythm is similar but with the bass and drum parts it's a little funkier and more of a head-bobber. The Intensity is similar, both rise from the verse to the end of the chorus. They both have an intensity that makes you nervous as well, as if the song could change very quickly. The Monkeys's did a good job keeping the intensity of the original (the original version is very well known for being in all the Scream movies). Organization, is the same and the Monkey's stuck close to the original for it. That being said Alex Turner's voice is higher than Nick Caves, and that's the major difference in Pitch between the two. Timbre, the Monkey's have a better production and therefore many of the instruments sound better and crisper, and overall have a strong more obvious Timbre. Finally, the Monkeys' bumped the speed of the song up quite and bit giving the song a personal vibe to the band, but keeping the integrity of the original. Which is what all good covers should do.