Please tell me you’ve seen the movie “Zoolander”? That ridiculously awesome movie was (in my opinion) during a time when nobody was tired of Will Ferrell and his tired antics. The comedic genius of that movie was taken a step further when Ben Stiller’s title character sadly walked the streets of New York to the song “I Started a Joke” by The Wallflowers. But did you know that that incredible song is a cover? By the BEE GEES, no less! They’re not only good for shaking your bum at the disco!
The version that the Bee Gees created isn’t a bumpy dance track like their other hits because it was written in the late 60’s, which was during their “soft rock” period. Though this is a side of the trio that I’m not familiar with, “I Started a Joke” did very well on the charts, peaking at #6 here in the States and #1 in Canada, New Zealand, Denmark and Brazil.
Soft guitars and Robin Gibb’s angelic voice are featured predominantly in this track, along with tight harmonizing vocals in the background. The chorus builds up a bit, but never gets much louder than a whisper! Eventually, some light strings and a harp come in, giving the song a very soft and heavenly feel. I mean, how could it not when you’re looking at that picture of them all dressed in white (and a very shiny silver jacket)!? Don’t act like your mom wasn’t turned on by any of these studly dudes back in the day!
I find the style of music kind of amusing but if you actually listen to the lyrical content, you’ll find that the song is rather sad. According to the song’s Wikipedia page (and we all know that website is 100% correct), the Bee Gees hit is about social alienation. The Gibb brothers do a great job of making this song sound like just that! Whether it be the slow acoustic guitars or the sad strings, it doesn’t matter. This song just FEELS sad.
In 2001, the Wallflowers released this song on the soundtrack for the movie “Zoolander.” Unlike the Bee Gees’ version though, The Wallflowers’ version of “I Started a Joke” didn’t sound cheesy. But perhaps we have 60s-70s production to blame for that. At any rate, the more recent version is better in my opinion. I think the slightly distorted guitars, bigger drums and subtle church organ really compliment this song well. Let’s not forget to mention that the introduction is so instantly recognizable! You instantly know when that little guitar melody, tamborine slap and ethereal effects in the background start playing that you’re going to hear a great song!
This Wallflowers track has that great 90’s alternative sound that seeped into this early 2001 recording and I am not complaining! Their version is a great alternative to the Bee Gees original. Perhaps the Gibb Brothers should have just stuck to songs like “Stayin’ Alive“?