ANKA V. NIRVANA: 'SMELLS LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT'

Of the three songs I've posted thus far from Paul Anka's otherworldly "Rock Swings" album,  Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' (posted above) works the best. The arrangement kicks ass for one thing. And Anka, as in the other cuts, is vocally in fine form--this particular tune allows his to stretch and do his 'big boy vocal' bit. But what kills in this one is the clarity with which we hear the unexpectedly charming lyrics--they really do feel part of the 'searching for the good life/rat packish/desert resort/cold vodka/early Playboy/mid-century/late night' era somehow. And it's considerably shorter than the original. What can't be questioned, however, are the numbers. Anka's video has attracted a more-than-healthy upper six-digits views. Nirvana, however...well, take a look at their viewing stats for yourself.

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