I'm Digging A Chinese Ditch

This particular blog will be an example of comparing two takes on the same song and my opinion on which one is better. The song I'm talking about today is the song "Chinese Rocks." Who exactly wrote the tune is still a matter of controversy, but what is known is that it was first recorded and released by The Heartbreakers, not to be confused with Tom Petty's backing band. Just by seeing the video to the song, everyone that appears in it, especially the blonde girl in the beginning, looks to be strung out to hell, which is perfect, as "Chinese rocks" is another term for heroin.

It was remade by the Ramones for their "End of the Century" album, most notable for the fact that it was produced, in a bizarre choice by the band, by Phil Spector. Yep, the blonde haired afro'ed (yet stylishly dressed) legendary musical producer who will forever be known for his gun-wielding ways.

I first heard the Ramones take on the song, which is technically known on their album as "Chinese Rock", on a best-of Ramones album. I liked the song, but after I heard the original Heartbreakers version via MP3 download, I suddenly liked the original quite a bit better. As other people have said, the original just sounds sleazier and dirtier-a perfect sound for a song about smack. But, you can judge for yourself which one is better.

Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers-Chinese Rocks (2.91 MB, 138Kbits/second)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=P19DHBKA

Ramones-Chinese Rock (2.26 MB, 128Kbits/second)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7RBNBRTR

I'll upload a new song on Friday afternoon.