The older I get, the more the 80’s become a blur for me. But one of the things that I still remember is my brother becoming a fan of this band from Australia with an odd little name – Hoodoo Gurus. This was at a time when MTV and college radio were introducing listeners to some of the same new wave, post punk tunes. The year was 1983 and my brother got his hands on a copy of the Hoodoo’s (my affectionate name for them) Stoneage Romeos album and played it, a lot. Yet, there was one catchy little song titled “I Want You Back” that even I couldn’t get enough of hearing. Straightforward, well-made pop-rock that was engaging. Even I became a fan. This song became a hit for the group in the U.S. and a favorite on college radio.
Fast-forward two years and British musician Simon F. (Fellowes) released his cover of the Hoodoo Gurus’ “I Want You Back” on his debut album Gun. I wasn’t ready for a remake as I was still listening to the original. However, I had heard some of Simon’s music with his former group Intaferon (anyone remember the song “Get Out of London”? It still rocks!), and I had to give his version a listen. Oddly enough, I found myself drawn to this version, too. It was a bit more amped up and charged, but still a fun romp.
Both versions of this song bring back great memories from my musically-filled adolescence, so much so that I can’t choose a favorite. Can you?