This song was featured in my March 27, 2010 essay, “Original v. Cover — #18 in a Series” and included both the Dusty Springfield and Atlanta Rhythm Section versions. The song was originally written and performed by Mike Sharpe, however the Classics IV placed it on the charts. The cover version by the Atlanta Rhythm Section, which included some members of the Classics IV put “Spooky” on the charts a second time. In all, the essay included the original by Sharpe and ten cover versions.
I like the Dusty Springfield version, but if I had to pick an overall favorite, it would be the interpretation by the Atlanta Rhythm Section.
One of the more interesting versions in that essay was one by David Sanborn & Friends. Sanborn, currently a smooth jazz saxophonist, actually performed at Woodstock with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band during the summer of 1969. The late, great Isaac Hayes performed the vocals, along with Joan Osborne.
I’m not sure that I’d go so far as to say that I like the following version, but it definitely takes the song in a different direction. Here’s a reggae version of “Spooky” by Boris Gardiner…
And for something yet a little different, demonstrating the wonders of modern technology…
5 comments
Skip to comment form
Author
…here on Friday nights.
This song was featured in my March 27, 2010 essay, “Original v. Cover — #18 in a Series” and included both the Dusty Springfield and Atlanta Rhythm Section versions. The song was originally written and performed by Mike Sharpe, however the Classics IV placed it on the charts. The cover version by the Atlanta Rhythm Section, which included some members of the Classics IV put “Spooky” on the charts a second time. In all, the essay included the original by Sharpe and ten cover versions.
I like the Dusty Springfield version, but if I had to pick an overall favorite, it would be the interpretation by the Atlanta Rhythm Section.
One of the more interesting versions in that essay was one by David Sanborn & Friends. Sanborn, currently a smooth jazz saxophonist, actually performed at Woodstock with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band during the summer of 1969. The late, great Isaac Hayes performed the vocals, along with Joan Osborne.
I’m not sure that I’d go so far as to say that I like the following version, but it definitely takes the song in a different direction. Here’s a reggae version of “Spooky” by Boris Gardiner…
And for something yet a little different, demonstrating the wonders of modern technology…