The sun, that is. The title of course refers to the classic song “I Will Survive” originally sung by Gloria Gaynor (and according to the recently deceased master-comedian George Carlin one of the 10 most embarrassing records ever).
There was a time when it would have seemed impossible for a rock band to rip this song from it’s combined women’s unity and gay community associations, but the American band Cake managed exactly that. Their version of it takes the strength and confidence of the original, sucks it all out and leaves bitterness and resentment. Yeah, I’ll survive, but no more than that. Sheer genius by an exceptionally good band. Here is their version (and be warned that the song doesn’t start until 18 seconds into this clip):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10C68Gzd5GM
And for comparison here is Gloria Gaynor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv6lHwWwO3w&feature=related
The song has been over the years a huge anthem for the gay movement, particularly lesbians, and also for women’s emancipation. Gloria Gaynor herself is, however, an Evangelical Christian and doesn’t approve of that sort of thing. She once said the song was actually about recovering from back pain, but it’s hard to justify that interpretation from the lyrics.
Cheers, Tom.
30/06/08 @ 09:29