This song is so cool that it has been covered by everyone from The Beatles to The Smashing Pumpkins. Barrett Strong first released the single in 1959 and it climbed all the way up to the number 2 spot in America. He became a prolific lyricist for Motown and the song became so popular among other artists that it probably has its own manager.
Barrett Strong – Money (That’s What I Want)
I listened to most of the other artists versions listed on the song’s Wikipedia page and more and here are my three favorites topped by The Sonics:
1. The Sonics – Money (That’s What I Want) (1965)
2. The Beatles – Money (That’s What I Want) (1964)
The Sonics probably took their lead from the earlier Beatles’ version. In fact, you can clearly hear a progression from the original soul version of Barrett Strong, to The Beatles, who still kept the piano intro and the steady rhythm, to the uninhibited choppy garage rocking version of The Sonics. John Lennon’s raspy voice gave the song a rawer edge, but then The Sonics totally went wild with it and took the song to all new stomping heights.
3. The Flying Lizards – Money (That’s What I Want) (1979)
This one is just really fun and so different from the original. I especially like the woman’s very proper, bored-with-life voice.
Filed under: Music, Poptastic Day, mp3
…then don’t miss “The Flying Lizards – Money (Live)” video at http://youtube.com/watch?v=kHs-6xnMEdE
Wow! That keyboard guy sure knows how to put up a crazy show with his sunflower, tiny guitar and mad two-finger piano skills. I half expect him to pull out a rubber chicken in the end … And she really does look as bored as she sounds. Awesome, thanks Tom!
the flying lizards version was the first i ever heard of this song, and i think it puts the other versions to shame! It takes the elements of the song and punks it up, its amazing! the others are goood, but not that good, lol, i cant express how much i love the flying lizards cover, for me it eptimoises what the song is about! enough of me rambling!