Another great cover - “Hurt” (Johnny Cash)

October 24th, 2007

By the end of his career, Cash was regarded as outside the country music mainstream - but as he noted in his autobiography, they viewed him the same way in the 50s and 60s too. His career was revitalised in the 90s after he recorded with rap and heavy metal producer Rick Rubin on what turned out to be a series of albums of other people’s songs. Among the unlikely songs he covered were ‘One’ by U2 and ‘Personal Jesus’ by Depeche Mode but this lesser known song - certainly in the UK - by Nine Inch Nails is the best of the bunch. It was recorded in 2003, not long before he died, and it’s a performance pared to the bone, yet full of emotional resonance. If you want to read a full eulogy then try this review from Drowned In Sound which nails it completely.

On the other hand, you could just listen to it (!). Just note, if you don’t like it now, try again in another ten years. You may not be ready yet…

Entry Filed under: covers, music