When it comes to Then and Now, I often run my ideas past Mr. Moon, ask him what he thinks about the song choices. He’s always pointing out that the original is the best. And I chide him, for that is not the spirit of the game. It is not who is best, but rather who loves a song enough to want to redo it. Or sometimes the spirit of the game is why on earth would they chose to do that song? But sometimes the game is can you believe who covered that song? Ok, it’s a complicated game. And this week, Mr. Moon is right. This week, I chose Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game. Fat chance anyone is going to be able to improve upon that song. That song is on my “list.” It’s my list of songs that will never grow old and I will always love.
Wicked Game – Chris Isaak 1989

People ask, Jodi… where do you get your song ideas for Sunday’s Then and Now. That’s what they ask. And I tell ’em it’s none of their bee’s wax. But it’s a combination of suggestions from others, songs I know I want to use, and complete accident. For example, I knew that k.d. lang covered Chris Isaak’s Western Stars. But I did not know how many people have covered Wicked Game. There is a gregorian chant version of Wicked Game. Strange, unnerving, but true. I did not pick that one. But they also do a favorite Peter Gabriel song of mine. Not to mention Duran Duran. Anyway, I chose Finnish goth band H.I.M. Why? Because, on the surface you’d think “yeah! goth up this song! it’s dark, it’s tortured, it’s haunting!” But the truth is… it doesn’t add that much to it. Chris could goth it up if he wanted to. He totally could. I’ve seen him in concert several times. He has a suit made out of mirrors, people. And sure, that doesn’t sound very goth. But that’s because Chris transcends goth. You don’t have to be underweight and sickly looking to feel pain, kids. Nonetheless, if I were in a goth band, I’d totally cover this song. But only if it were ok with Chris.
Wicked Game – H.I.M. 2003