Cover Song of the Week- Don't Tell Me (Stop) by Madonna, (original by Joe Henry)

Please don't judge my blog based on the quality of my first cover artist. The Queen of Pop, Madonna, is my first cover artist that I have decided to write about. It's not because am a big Madonna fan, although she is awesome, but I'm really not a mega fan. I was listening to my "Pilfer Era Best Of" play list, which is top rated songs from 1999 to 2002 today while out doing my real world pursuit of writing estimates on cars. I came across 'Don't Tell Me' by Madonna and immediately started thinking of a potential music blog.

The Madonna version is lighter than many of her songs from the last 10 years and almost soulful. It certainly would not be heard in the clubs with other songs of hers such as , 'Four Minutes' or 'Music'. The songs features a cool beat with some light tweaking over the beat.

The original artist is Joe Henry. I qualify this, because the Madonna version actually came out first on an album, but Joe Henry is the author and also did a version. Joe Henry, is a long time song writer and sometime producer. Among others he co-produced my co-favorite Ani DiFranco album "Knuckledown' with Ani DiFranco herself(the other Ani favorite being 'Little Plastic Castles').

The Joe Henry version is clearly the better quality song. Soulful vocals, and superior instruments and arrangement. Rather than a pop beat, you have guitar, real drums, piano and violins (I think). If only every fan that heard the Madonna version 'Don't Tell Me' also received the Joe Henry version 'Stop' to see why she likely, picked this song in the first place.

For more info on Joe Henry check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Henry

www.joehenrylovesyoumadly.com/

To purchase or hear either of the featured songs go to your favorite retailer.

Joe Henry - 'Stop' via YouTube

Madonna - 'Don't Tell Me'

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