cheap cover versions

[abducted]

hi !
here in france, we can buy records
with cover versions of
hits songs. It started in the 80s.
Of course these records were
cheaper than the original versions,
and with often bad quality.
But it's fun to listen to and I'd like to know
if there is similar stuff in other
countries.
Can you name some studios, bands, producers and
record labels that were specialized in cover versions
in your country during the 80s ?

[Manc Chris]

hi !
here in france, we can buy records
with cover versions of
hits songs. It started in the 80s.
Of course these records were
cheaper than the original versions,
and with often bad quality.
But it's fun to listen to and I'd like to know
if there is similar stuff in other
countries.
Can you name some studios, bands, producers and
record labels that were specialized in cover versions
in your country during the 80s ?

Not seen any recently, but I remember these from the 70s. In fact, I used to buy them myself as I couldn't afford the 'proper versions'. The label was 'Pickwick', and tended to have the same vocalists attempting different styles. They can be picked up today from charity shops, and are easily identifiable for having a bird's face on the cover.

Update. Actually, there is a cheapo UK chain called Poundstretchers, that still play these kind of records. I was in there recently having a laugh at a guy trying to affect a James Blunt voice singing that crap tune of his.

[knockman]

sometimes 'better' than the originals

this page gives some fascinating background on the TOTP compilations, from one of the key players, tony rivers:

http://www.tonyrivers.com/totp.html

i'm quite a fan of his work pre-cover career, when he was the 'brian wilson' figure behind the castaways and harmony grass.

regards

[Manc Chris]

sometimes 'better' than the originals

this page gives some fascinating background on the TOTP compilations, from one of the key players, tony rivers:

http://www.tonyrivers.com/totp.html

i'm quite a fan of his work pre-cover career, when he was the 'brian wilson' figure behind the castaways and harmony grass.

regards

What a great article. Thanks for sharing.

[nuffink]

Tring International used to release compilations with a little rider on the back along the lines of "Some tracks re-recorded using as many of the original musicians as possible."

[Manc Chris]

Tring International used to release compilations with a little rider on the back along the lines of "Some tracks re-recorded using as many of the original musicians as possible."

Indeed. And (true fact) a phone call from Tring to an 'original artist' to ask for say, confirmation on a lyric, can then be construed as 'the original artist being used to re record the material' .. and then added to the album sleeve to enhance credibility.

[Roman Empire]

I loved those tapes!

I remember having one named "Electric Boogie and Break Dance", which featured a really hilarious version of "Footloose"! As you can imagine, immitating Kenny Loggins is not such an easy job.
And how it ended up on a tape with that title, I really don't understand...

[abducted]

thanks for all the replies.

I love the record covers as much as the songs in fact...