It has been said, recently even, that Come On Eileen is artistically less than the sum of Dexys parts. That it became bigger than Dexys is undeniable but those who criticise COE are often responding to its global pop cross-over success rather than its artistic merits. The times I've danced to it at a wedding with the drunken masses of people who I know don't really like music are numerous. Where exactly does the arrogance begin and end? It was a number one hit right across the world. We heard it a lot. Too much for some maybe but I, for one, have never tired of it and I don't think I ever will. I don't think it has a weak spot. It is pop genius and it struck a chord with the masses at a time when music was mostly weak, insipid and uninteresting. In another time and place I started a project that intended to find and log all the cover versions of Come On Eileen, attempt to get hold of them and tell everyone what they sound like. Maybe even make Come On Eileen The Album for playing in the car. The time is now right to revive this project so here is the list of all the covers of Come On Eileen that we have managed to unearth so far. If you know of a cover that we have missed then please send us an e-mail or post a message. Thanks to Gina at the Delphi Forum who also worked hard at finding some of the tracks listed here.
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1. Academical Village People
Badly sung acapella thingy.
2. Badly Drawn Boy featuring Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
This appeared on a various artists charity CD, 1 Love, put together by NME. The arrangement is great but I'm not sure that Badly Drawn Boy's vocals suit.
3. Black Lace
Featured on the Black Lace album, Action Party - 25 All * Time Favourites alngside other classic songs such as Wig Wam Bam, Hi Ho Silver Lining and, of course, Agadoo. I'd like to say it's total shite but it isn't. This full on, good time, party version lacks any feeling or soul but is better than many others on this page.
4. Blackthorn
Irish folk band who manage to cover COE one of the most enthusuastic pop songs ever without any enthusiasm at all. I mean, why bother eh? Some word changes here but I haven't got the full version yet so I'm not sure to what extent.
5. Dexy Enemy (Public Enemy versus Dexys)
Not sure if this is a joke but some say not. The snippet I've heard is the usual aggressive rap over Come On Eileen's instrumental track. I do seriously doubt that a full version of this exists and suspect it's merely somebody's idea of a joke that has passed into internet legend.
6. Guster
Don't know much about this band, American I think. The version is live in concert and the audience are obviously enjoying themselves. The vocal is a bit ropey with the singer missing some of the words by slurring lines.
7. Andy Leek
As mentioned on the links page, Dexys ex-keyboard player who was in the band briefly in 1979/80 has covered Come On Eileen with his pub tribute band Dexys 2. An MP3 of the track can be found at Andy's website.
8. Kilt
A Canadian folk group. Not a bad version this. A Mandolin where the banjo is in
Dexys version and an altogether good arrangement played enthusiastically. Also a bit faster than Dexys version.
9. Save Ferris
I've seen No Doubt/Mighty Mighty Bosstones/Reel Big Fish all credited with this version on the internet. This is a punky ska version and not bad if you like that sort of thing. Done with enthusiasm. Save Ferris have also done a second version which is an acoustic and voice type thing which was a b-side of one of their singles but I've only managed to download a fraction of the track so far.
10. Skyclad
Previously very heavy metal band who found a new direction and their Celtic roots. A fiddle heavy version to an acoustic rhythm.
11. Stanford Mixed Company
A definite Dexys fan in this band, it starts with someone turning the dial on a radio al la Burn It Down. Another acapella version but better than the others. Female lead vocal which gives the song a new twist.
12. U Maryland Generics
A poor acapella version. Apparently there is an American tradition of vocal groups forming in university and some even put out albums.
13. Webby
The fearless leader of the Delphi forum tackles one of the all-time greats with the passion of a true Dexys fan. Better than many of the above versions.
14. The City On Film
Solo project from Bob Nanna of Blue Nercedes. Another in concert version. Nicely understated folky duo version with solo fiddle and strummed acoustic guitar.
To be continued
