This mix from a few years ago starts off with the blistering "Here We Go" performed live by Run-D.M.C.
It's followed by the first of three covers of Archie Bell & The Drells "Tighten Up", by Yo La Tengo, then Al Escobar & His Orchestra followed with a live version by Maceo Parker with James Brown's band.
Interesting story about the original version: Archie Bell was serving in Vietnam when his song unexpectedly became a hit. Whenever it came on the radio, he would tell the commanding officers it was his band's hit and he needed to go home to capitalize on it. No one believed him, and by the time he returned from his tour and injuries, there were several imposter bands--some of them as unlikely as Yo La Tengo.
Other stuff: the genius of Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson's "Rock With You", an instrumental version of George Harrison's "What Is LIfe", The Go! Team's exuberant instrumental "Ladyflash", Shinehead's cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", Dudley Perkins' lovely "Flowers", Jackie Wilson's gorgeous cover of Herb Alpert's standard "This Guy's In Love With You", Darondo's mellow and lush "Didn't I", Josh Rouse's winsome "The Man Who...", the wry "Who's Been Sleeping Here" by The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles' version of the country standard "I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town", the odd "I'm In Love With A German Film Star" by Passions, Bonnie Tyler's gloriously over-the-top "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", the wistful "The Song Is Over" by The Who, Mazzy Star's tender "Five String Serenade", Peggy Lee's sultry version of the standard "It Ain't Necessarily So", and an instrumnetal version of "Village Green" by The Kinks.
