
"Dark As A Dungeon" - Johnny Cash (At Folsom Prison)
Wall of Voodoo is a band that I've got quite a soft spot for. But like all band-fan relationships, its got its touchy moments. In the early 1980's, they released three albums and an EP fronted by Stan Ridgway, a guy that I think has one of the most unique voices and most adventurous musical spirits in all of the New Wave/Alternative genre. Unfortunately, due to drug use and behavioral problems, Stan and two other members left Wall of Voodoo after their performance at the second US Festival in 1983. The remaining members continued on with a new lead singer, Andy Preiboy, but kept the Wall of Voodoo name. Without Ridgway, the totally unique sound of the band, both vocally and musically, was forced to change and it was nowhere near as magical for me. While I don't really care for the Preiboy-fronted version of the band, there is one song I can pluck from that period that I really enjoy. Their cover of "Dark As A Dungeon" from their 1985 release, Seven Days in Sammytown, is pretty awesome. The monotone vocals, synthesizer and industrial flavored electronic drumbeat combine perfectly to at least hint at the coolness of what the Wall of Voodoo name was known for. I could certainly do without the creepy clown artwork though.
"Dark As A Dungeon" - Wall of Voodoo (Seven Days in Sammytown)
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