78. The evolution of a song
Crossing multiple generations with shared heritage.
This post is a fifth experiment in presenting two pieces back to back, without my usual interpretation section. (here are the first, second, third, and fourth such posts!) I hope you can enjoy puzzling out shared themes, or perhaps ways in which each one builds upon the other.
suggested reading method
To best savour this artwork, please take a moment to eliminate distractions. Consider minimizing all other windows on your computer; putting other devices (phone, tv etc) aside; taking a deep breath, to the full extent of your lung capacity; and focusing solely on the “artwork 1” and “artwork 2” sections.
Once you’ve processed those to your satisfaction, the rest of the post is optional reading, provided only for context about the artists.
artwork 1
“Ordinary Guy” by Joe Bataan, from his 1968 album Riot!
artwork 2
“Ordinary Guy” by Toro y Moi, feat. The Mattson 2, released as a single in 2020.
context
Joe Bataan (b. 1942) is an American Latin soul singer. He was raised in East Harlem, in a Hispanic American family of Filipino and African-American ancestry, which informed his pioneering musical style. He released 20 studio albums and has also appeared in films.
Toro Y Moi (b. 1986) is the stage name of Chazwick Bradley Bundick, or Chaz Bear: an American singer-songwriter, graphic designer and producer. He has released 10 studio albums as well as several singles, mixtapes, EPs and live albums.
From Chaz, on the YouTube description for “Ordinary Guy”:
I’m super excited to announce this release. It’s a cover of a song by a fellow Afro-Filipino, Joe Bataan. His music first caught my ear back in 2009 when Ryan Kattner of Man Man played it for me. I was immediately hooked by Joe’s music because, to me, he represented the impossible--he felt so comfortable in his skin and he had so much confidence and appeal. I had the pleasure of meeting Joe at an incredible dinner with friends at Jeepney, a Filipino restaurant in New York City. Joe was at the center of the table, talking to us like we were family. I played Joe the cover that night through the restaurant stereo and he was so happy to hear that his music stood the test of time and reached me. Now, 45 years after the original song hit the airwaves, I’m honored to bring this song to new ears. Thank you for your support.
What similarities and differences did you notice? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!