Cover version of the month #126
The McCoys cover The Vibrations
I was planning to feature Hang On Sloopy by The McCoys in my regular Trust Me feature ... then I found out that it is a cover version! This classic song was written by Bert Russell and Wes Farrell, and originally performed and released as My Girl Sloopy by The Vibrations in 1964, reaching number 26 on the Billboard charts.
The Vibrations original live recording still has the same riff and groove that The McCoys would amplify, speed up and transform, but The Vibrations version is slower, souful and sultry. They throw in a nod to The Beatles version of Twist and Shout, there are horns, percussion and enough there for the song to become a staple for garage bands in America and beyond.
In 1965 The Yardbirds, featuring Jeff Beck, recorded and released a 5 minute 36 seconds version, keeping the song title. They stretch out the groove, add in the Twist and Shout build up and mini freak out, before sliding back into the groove.
Meanwhile, and I think most people would agree with me that The McCoys recorded the definitive version. Previously known as Rick & The Raiders, the young group changed their name to record Hang On Sloopy after a band called The Strangeloves decided against releasing it as a follow up to their smash hit I Want Candy. They had heard that The Dave Clark Five (who they were touring with them) were also going to record it and feared that they would have the greater success.
Young Rick Zehringer was flown in to record his vocals over The Strangelove backing tracks. As it turns our, The Dave Clark Five version has never been released! Talk about a Sliding Doors moment for Zehringer!
The McCoys summer 65 release has got that special kind of raw, unpolished energy that stands the test of time. The opening primal beat is followed quickly with a simple yet super cool guitar riff, creating a real groove, something instantly recogniseable. Then it's straight into the chorus within 8 seconds. The McCoys voices and harmonies sound incredible.
Rick Derringer's (his new stage name) vocals, recorded at the tender age of just 17, stretch beautifully when he sings everybody in the second line of the first verse, and then he keeps it all measured before he rises for the and so I say now line into the chorus.
Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town
And everybody, yeah, tries to put my Sloopy down
Sloopy, I don't care what your daddy do
'cause you know, Sloopy, girl, I'm in love with you
And so I say now
The chorus is ridiculously simple and even cooler than the guitar riff. Just three words, the order changed, then repeated. The first hang in each line rings out as haaaaang. It sounds super exciting and completely universal, Sloopy could be anyone.
Hang on Sloopy, Sloopy hang on
Hang on Sloopy, Sloopy hang on
Shouts of yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah are traded and then Derringer demands give it to me and then The Strangeloves guitarist (I just like to think it is Derringer) lets rip with a soaring electric guitar solo over the cool groove that remains constant throughout.
The shorter third verse is probably my favourite:
Sloopy let your hair down, girl
Let it hang down on me
Sloopy let your hair down, girl
Let it hang down on me, yeah
Things break down and build as Derringer urges come on Sloopy and his band mates respond with come on, come on backing vocals. Derringer then talks about how it feels so good, then shake it shake it Sloopy before a primal scream into a final chorus and plenty of yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah shouts of encouragement and excitement. This is a garage band sounding cool, thrilling and full of teenage lust, the energy is extraordinary. The song, the recording and performance easily stands the test of time.
My Girl Sloopy by The Vibrations, The Yardbirds version and the Hang On Sloopy version by The McCoys are added to my Everything Flows Cool Cover Versions playlist on Spotify which also features all of the songs listed below. Search for the title or CLICK HERE
Previous covers of the month blogs
40. Jumpin' Jack Flash
44. Witchi Tai To
45. Our Lips Are Sealed
46. Sunshine Of Your Love
47. Here Comes The Sun
48. I Think We're Alone Now
49. Don't Let Me Down
50. It's Oh So Quiet
51. Alcoholiday
52. Summer Holiday
53. Who Do You Think You Are?
54. Head On
55. Nothing Compares 2 U
