Cover version of the month #97
The Staple Singers, Lou Rawls, Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 and Voices of East Harlem cover Buffalo Springfield
For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield must be one of the coolest songs of all time. Four verses, a super catchy chorus, guitars that vary in sound - from harmonics to a piercing solo and all in just over two and a half minutes.
Written by Stephen Stills and inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles where Buffalo Springfield were the house band at the Whisky a Go Go, For What It's Worth was recorded on December 5th 1966.
Stills has said that the title came from a conversation with his record company, when he simply stated; "I have this song, for what it's worth."
Within days, For What It's Worth (Stop, Hey What's That Sound) was being played on the radio. The song hit the mark and eventually peaked at number 7 in the charts.
This is a perfect song. The short intro of Neil Young's guitar harmonics and a funky rhythm of bass and beats, that would later be sampled by Public Enemy, is utterly mesmerising. Stills makes a statement from the off, speaking from the front line of the riots and protests.
There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
Stills hits the chorus/hook at bang on 30-seconds, the groove changes ever so slightly, then falls back. Oh what a chorus. Something you can sing-a-long with on first listen.
I think it's time we stop
Children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stills continues with the second verse which contains the brilliant line nobody's right if everybody's wrong. There is just a little time after the second chorus for Neil Young to add some shimmering guitar riffs, the groove is just glorious, allowing loads of space.
When the Springfield hit the fourth verse, Stills is totally in the zone, Young's guitar changes perfectly when his friend sings the opening line.
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Step out of line, the men come and take you away
There is a run of 4 choruses, all of the band harmonizing, to close the song. Perfection.
As you would expect for a song as cool and perfect as For What It's Worth, there has been dozens of cover versions over the years. From Cher (1968) to Stevie Nicks (2022). Nicks version is lovely, her voice is amazing, raspy and soulful.
Here are 4 belters;
The Staple Singers (1967)
I have this version on a gospel soul compilation record. The family voices harmonise effortlessly, the music is stripped back, handclaps are introduced and notably, the distinctive guitar riff is removed.
Recorded and released in 1967, The Staple Singers stamp their own sound on this wonderful song. I like to imagine that everyone in Buffalo Springfield would have been pretty chuffed to hear this.
Lou Rawls (1968)
The following year, Lou Rawls released his soul jazz version. Horns are introduced and the outro is extended slightly with a dreamy/psychedelic vibe. I wonder if there is an extended version out there as it feels like it fades just a little too soon.
Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 (1970)
Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 released their version in 1970. They have more than a few cool cover versions in their discography. It's well worth digging into their back catalogue.
This is a super slow and soulful groove, the vocals have a beautiful edge to them, like Lani Hall really does want everyone to stop, listen to the sound and look what's going down.
Voices of East Harlem (1970)
My own personal favourite is this gem from Voices of East Harlem. Perhaps influenced by The Staple Singers version, they just ramp it up a bit, injecting extra urgency, extra voices, beats and Hammond.
Up to 20 voices coming together for the chorus is a joyous and powerful sound, the groove is funky, soulful and loose and the lead vocal is impeccable. Glorious.
Buffalo Springfield's timeless original and all 4 cover versions highlighted above are added to my Everything Flows Cool Cover Versions playlist on Spotify which also features all of the songs (originals and covers) 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
Live on TV - For What It's Worth and Mr. Soul medley
