Search - Various Artists :: Super Fantastic Mega Smash Hits

Good, Cheeseball Fun

05/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike the other reviewer, I like this concept, right down to the tracks listed under "side one" and "side two" and the "can also be played in mono" disclaimer. Seems like the bands that revelled most in the goofiness turned out the best covers. I bought it cheap and feel it's well worth the price, even though I probably will routinely skip some of the songs.Low-lights include "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and "I'm Not In Love". These are my least favorite types of remakes - a simple sped up rhythm and the addition of lots of hard, grinding guitars. Totally unorginial and boring. Susan Voelz tries to do "Ode To Billy Joe" ala the Cowboys Junkies but with not as much talent. Snooze. "Jackie Blue" is pretty uninspired as well.I like the addition of Popcorn, which is not quite what I'd consider the same genre as the other songs but total cheesy nostalgia so I love it. I also like getting to hear something else from the band who did the Kids in the Hall theme song."Side Two" is much more consistent. I know I'll listen to it more often. Even if many of the songs aren't too different from the originals, they're upbeat and well done. The only exception is "Rocket Man", but then I despise the original so maybe I'm biased.My favorite remake is "Venus", done as bluesy, southern rockabilly. To me, this is what doing a cover tune is all about. It's fun, it creative, it's a darn good song in it's own right. I can't believe I've never heard this on the radio."