Tainted love -which version is best (least bad)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around various musical covers of the song "Tainted Love," originally by Ed Cobb. Participants share their preferences among different versions, including those by Gloria Jones, Soft Cell, Manson, and others, while reflecting on their personal connections to the song.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a strong preference for the original version by Gloria Jones, citing its classic appeal and personal nostalgia.
  • Others favor the 1981 version by Soft Cell, often linking it to their childhood memories.
  • A few participants mention the 2001 version by Manson, with mixed opinions on its effectiveness and suitability to the lyrics.
  • Some participants highlight the Swans' and Ramones' versions, showing curiosity about these interpretations.
  • Coil's industrial version is suggested for those seeking a different, creepier take on the song.
  • Several participants note their enjoyment of multiple versions, indicating a general appreciation for the song itself.
  • There are mentions of other artists like Milk Inc and Blue Oyster Cult, with varying degrees of familiarity and interest expressed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing opinions on which version is the best, with no consensus reached. Many enjoy multiple versions, while others have strong preferences for specific interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and memories associated with different versions, which may influence their preferences. The discussion includes a variety of interpretations, but no definitive conclusions are drawn regarding the superiority of any particular version.

Who May Find This Useful

Music enthusiasts, fans of "Tainted Love," and those interested in cover songs and their interpretations may find this discussion engaging.

arildno
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"Tainted love"-which version is best (least bad)?

Ed Cobb's classic from the 1960's has been performed by many artists, and it happens to be one of my favourite "light" pop tunes.

So, I'll post the ones I've found on youtube and prefer:

1964-Gloria Jones (original)


1981-Soft Cell (the one I grew up with, and am partial to)


1985-Coil (great version, IMO)


2001-Manson (the one I like the least..)
 
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Easy:

The Swans' version.

Can't find a link yet.
 
I hear there's a Ramones version of it. I'm intrigued!

I do love the Soft Cell version. Brings back happy memories. :)
 
I like the Manson song and video the best of all.
 
I quite like all of them. Its just a good song.
 
Soft cell. What can I say? I'm biased.
 
The Gloria Jones original is a fairly new addition to youtube, and it was a pleasant rendering.
Hopefully, the Swans' and The Ramones' versions will be posted as well by someone (I haven't heard those)
 
Here's a few more:

Milk Inc:

Marc Almond, 1993:

Pussycat Dolls (together with Marc, though..):
 
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Gloria Jones. Old school.
 
  • #10
Ok, so my favourite's now the Pussycat Dolls one! :biggrin:
 
  • #11
holy crap, I'm going to make a mix cd with just all these different covers

omg gloria jones all the way; that one is definitely the best
 
  • #12
Gloria Jones, for sure! I fell in love with this song (and many other Motown-flavored releases) when it was new. I had my little AM radio tuned to Buffalo every night as soon as the sun went down (when the little stations had to shut down and give the big boys the airwaves).
 
  • #13
Definitely Manson.
 
  • #14
I loved Soft Cells version, Blue Oyster Cult did it too.
 
  • #15
Is there anyone who hasn't done this song?
 
  • #16
Soft Cell for me, that's the one I grew up with also.
 
  • #17
Math Is Hard said:
Is there anyone who hasn't done this song?
I never covered this one, though I must admit to covering a lot of songs by Peter Green (founder of Fleetwood Mac in the mid-60s) and Elmore James, along with more blues giants than I could ever name.
 
  • #18
Evo said:
Soft Cell for me, that's the one I grew up with also.
Soft Cell's "sonar" blips were were not only intrusive, but wrecked the tone of the original, for me. I'm older, and probably got hooked on the original.
 
  • #19
Manson. His is the best.
 
  • #20
hypatia said:
I loved Soft Cells version, Blue Oyster Cult did it too.

BOC?

I cannot imagine it.
 
  • #21
I prefer the Soft Cell version for singing along, but I have to admit, the Manson version is really suited to the lyrics...very effective at giving a really creepy feeling. I just don't like the beginning where it's just a crappy remix of the instrumentals from the Soft Cell version.

It's a really interesting contrast from the original to the Manson version.
 
  • #22
If you wish creepiness, Moonbear, I would advise you to listen to Coil's superslow, industrial version:

Coil:
 
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  • #23
arildno said:
If you wish creepiness, Moonbear, I would advise you to listen to Coil's superslow, industrial version:

Coil:


I quite like that too. Certainly very different.
 
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