> Paula,¿ You'd probably know better than anyone else - but has Moz ever¿ mentioned why he chose to cover "That's Entertainment"¿ in the first place - and why at that point in his career? It's a¿ good song and a good cover - but out of the hundreds he could¿ have chosen, why that one? Curious.¿ jason
Jason,
This is a very bad question to ask a Weller fan. I will try to refrain myself though =) First off when you said it's a "good song" I know you meant to say it is a brilliant song that is ok though I forgive your little slip up
Anyway, I know Morrissey was a Jam fan (how could you not be I ask!) He has stated in interviews that he thinks That's Entertainment is a wonderful depiction of small town English life (although it is really a universal topic) so I imagine that is why he covered it, considering his connection/fascination with that topic. With lyrics like "feeding ducks in the park and wishing I was faraway" you can see why Morrissey would relate to it.
Plus I mean is it not one of the most brilliant songs ever written? =) How could you not want to cover that song! I think Moz was hoping that people who weren't familiar with The Jam would think that he wrote it. Also, Moz thinks Weller is a lyrical genuis and was probably hoping that some of Paul would rub off on him if he covered it. I also think that Weller is incredibly sexy. I mean I think Moz thinks that... Whoops sorry I'm getting a little confused here I'd better shut up =)
Here's the lyrics to the original for you:
(yeah I know you didn't ask for them but I know you wanted them)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - Paul Weller
A police car and a screaming siren
A pnuematic drill and ripped up concrete
A baby wailing a stray dog howling
The screech of brakes and lamplights blinking
that's entertainment.
A smash of glass and the rumble of boots
An electric train and a ripped up phone booth
Paint splattered walls and the cry of a tomcat
Lights going out and a kick in the balls
that's entertainment
Days of speed and slow time Mondays
Pissing down with rain on a boring Wednesday
Watching the news and not eating your tea
A freezing cold flat and damp on the walls
that's entertainment
Waking up at 6 a.m. on a cool warm morning
Opening the windows and breathing in petrol
An amateur band rehearsing in a nearby yard
Watching the tele and thinking about your holidays
that's entertainment.
Waking up from bad dreams and smoking cigarettes
Cuddling a warm girl and smelling stale perfume
A hot summers' day and sticky black tarmac
Feeding ducks in the park and wishing you were faraway
that's entertainment.
Two lovers kissing amongst the scream of midnight
Two lovers missing the tranquility of solitude
Getting a cab and travelling on buses
Reading the grafitti about slashed seat affairs
that's entertainment
ok that's it I will shut up now =)