I was driving around in Jizzy (who you met a couple weeks ago if you listened to the pilot episode of the drivecasts) the other day listening to Alkaline Trio’s self titled album when this cover came on. I instantly thought to myself, “This is probably my favorite Alkaline Trio song … Why haven’t I written about it in my covers revue yet?” Well, here I go.
I could never get into the Cure. Sure, I’ve heard a lot of their songs here and there. I listen to them and enjoy them, but I can’t really call myself a fan. I know. Blasphemy, considering how many die-hard Cure fans are involved with this site. But whatever, I was never into 80s music, so it’s not personal.
For as long as I could remember, I’ve loved Alkaline Trio. I don’t remember one particular instance or time that I heard a song that made me latch on to them and never let go. I just remember always loving them, especially their older stuff. My favorite albums are 1998’s Goddamnit and 2000’s Alkaline Trio. The latter contains “Exploding Boy” and it became one of those times when you fall in love with a song but then realize later that it’s actually a cover so you go and look up the original.
Both version sound pretty similar, which is alright with me but one of the few differences is instantly detectable when the song starts. Quick strums of power chords on a bass start the song at a quick pace until one of the most kick ass drum beats ever comes in and makes way for what sounds like a muffled saxophone. The Cure’s instantly recognizable (visibly as well as audibly) Robert Smith then comes in and sings the short song. Smith is full of emotion thanks to the almost wailing characteristic that his voice takes on. Plus, the little dash of spontaneity that he adds by yelping a couple times between repetitions is favorable in my opinion. The song finds use of mostly acoustic guitars, quick bass and the drums mentioned earlier. This rare track consists of only one verse and one chorus but is repeated a couple times.
Now as I said before, these two versions are very similar except for the intro. Personally, I prefer Alk3’s to the Cure’s. The punk band uses the same bass technique but opts to go with synthesizers for the saxophone that the Cure used. The drum beat is the same which is definitely a good thing because, like I said, it’s one of the best beats I’ve ever heard. It’s quick and all over the place. It fills up the entire song with no holes in between. I can imagine any drummer almost dying up on stage playing this song! I honestly think it would be an awesome way to go though because it seems like it’s a blast to play!
I also prefer lead singer Matt Skiba’s delivery. I love the frustration and anger that is heard in his voice when it almost comes to a scream. Smith and Skiba seem to convey different emotions just by the way they sing this song, but that doesn’t mean one is necessarily better than the other. Plus, the fact that Alkaline Trio’s version is more driven by electric guitar and hard drums gives the song just the tiniest bit of a different vibe.
Both versions of this song are great but I prefer Alkaline Trio’s simply due to the difference in emotion Skiba conveys along with the more rocking song.
But you decide!
Alkaline Trio – “Exploding Boy”
The Cure – “Exploding Boy“
Yes, I know Mailo. No one will ever be good enough! Hahaha! I knew I’d get shit from you and/or Turrtle, but I LOVE Alkaline Trio’s cover of this song and thought it would be an interesting topic since it would hit so close to home. Thanks for hating it!