Paul Anka- Rock Swings [album]

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June 2, 2005, 12:11 AM

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“Maybe I am getting even for what Sid Vicious did to me on My Way”- Paul Anka

If you don’t know who Paul Anka is, ask your mother or grandmother and then turn your head quickly because she will most likely cream herself on the spot. Wicked old Canadian crooner, Paul Anka became a teen idol in 50’s with his song “Diana” and has been busting out career-shaping hits ever since for the likes of Buddy Holly, Donny Osmond and Tom Jones. Rock Swings, however, does not contain regurgitated sleepy classics like “She’s A Lady” and “Puppy Love.” Anka isn’t going down like that! Instead, he chooses to rework ‘modern standards’ like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Oasis’ “Wonderwall.”

If you’re suddenly having Pat Boone “No More Mr. Nice Guy” flashbacks, I have two things to say to you. 1. You’re gay for knowing what I am talking about; and 2. Anka somehow completely avoids the novelty labeling by relying on the surprisingly good arrangements and soothing vocals he is famous for. No Richard Cheese here. Anka intends to prove that the 80’s and 90’s produced some lasting songs that translate easily into a completely different style, discounting the notion that older generations think Van Halen and Soundgarden are garbage and proving the notion that my parents were asses for making me turn it down.

Similar to Johnny Cash covering Nine Inch Nails, Anka seems to fully grasp what the songs are about or at least understand the essence of the songs. While he can’t bring out the full cock rock glory of “Eye of The Tiger,” and god love him for trying, he hits the nail on the head with his renditions of “Everybody Hurts” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Although much jazzier than their originals, the covers are hardly gimmicky making Rock Swings a very well put together record.

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