All through the spring, we were pretty convinced Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” would be the song of the summer, and then Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” swooped in and has apparently taken the crown, having spent nine weeks atop Billboard’s Hot 100. But who died and made Billboard the sole judge of the song of the summer? Oh, the music industry. Well, we demand a recount.
In 2013, are charts the best indicator of a song’s impact? When was the last time someone posted a chart on your Facebook wall? Viral videos carry a lot more weight, so we decided to pair up the best “Get Lucky” and “Blurred Lines” tribute videos in six different categories, and see who comes out on top.
1. Cover
There are plenty of “Get Lucky” covers on YouTube, but our favourite is this one from Vancouver bassist Jim Bennett. We brought you his story of surviving a life-threatening illness before creating this viral cover, in which he plays the bassline along with the melody and harmony.
Keeping with the theme of a one-man band, Michael Flayhart does a spot-on a cappella cover of Thicke’s tune with 10 tracks of his own vocals.
Verdict: Well, we’re going to have to pick the Canadian with the great story and the inventive cover. One point for “Get Lucky.”
2. Late-night TV
After being snubbed by Daft Punk, Stephen Colbert made this awesome “Get Lucky” lip dub with Bryan Cranston, Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges, the Rockettes and a bunch more celebrities. (Comedy Central is pretty diligent about taking down unauthorized clips from YouTube, so you gotta watch it here.)
Thicke teamed up with Jimmy Fallon, the Roots and some classroom instruments for this charming cover of “Blurred Lines.” Remember, Fallon and company did the same kind of thing with “Call Me Maybe” last year.
Verdict: As fun as it is, the Fallon version sort of shines a light on the song’s repetitiveness and lack of melody. It’s just a lot of clanging, isn’t it? I realize I sound like your grandpa, but another point for “Get Lucky.”
3. Spoof
A “Get Lucky” parody called “Make Coffee.” I dunno, man.
“Blurred Lines” is apparently much easier to spoof, as there are a lot of them out there. This gender-bending version had the greatest impact online.
Verdict: I honestly couldn’t make it through “Make Coffee.” One point for “Blurred Lines.”
4. Time warp
One of the best viral videos of the year, as “Get Lucky” takes a ride through 11 decades of pop music.
The original video for “Blurred Lines” is just a bunch of people dancing in front of a plain backdrop. This video flashes back to the ’80s by pointing out that the music works pretty well with the intro to The Cosby Show, which also takes place in front of a plain backdrop. (Note: the original video has been taken down, but you can see it 30 seconds into this video.)
Verdict: Remember how much I said I like the Daft Punk one? One point for that.
5. Presidential
A dub of “Get Lucky” with words edited from President Barack Obama’s speeches.
The same thing but with “Blurred Lines” and Bill Clinton.
Verdict: These are pretty similar, and are in fact made by the same person, but Pharrell’s vocal flourishes are better represented by Obama’s stammers in the Daft Punk song. Another point for “Get Lucky.”
6. Weird
This tribute to TV star Johnny Galecki is so much fun. No time to explain. Just watch it.
Thicke’s dad, Alan Thicke, is featured in this mashup of “Blurred Lines” and the theme from Alan's series, Growing Pains.
Verdict: They’re both so great. Let’s give the point to “Blurred Lines” just to make it close.
Winner: It's 4–2 for “Get Lucky.” There it is, proven with science.
by Dave Shumka via Electronic RSS
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