“The Chauffeur”
by Deftones (originally by Duran Duran)
from the album The Duran Duran Tribute Album
1997
Buy the album on Amazon

It’s completely rare to have one of my favorite bands covering one of my other favorite bands, particularly in this case when the genres they occupy are so far apart.  The Deftones could probably best be described as alternative metal whereas Duran Duran best epitomize the 80s dance pop/new wave sound.  That kind of sounds like mixing bacon and ice cream.  But you know what?  I’ve had bacon ice cream and it’s delicious.

If you’ve never heard the original, then scroll down and play the Duran Duran version first.  I like the Deftones’ version better, which really surprised me when I heard it for the first time.  They’re both very similar, because it’s a fairly simple song, both lyrically and musically.  It’s pretty sparse and etherial, but the Deftones lay in just enough metal during the second or third chorus to turn the track into a head bobber… not quite a head banger, but enough umph to get you swaying.  It maintains the moody nature of the song, but gives it just enough grind to make it almost… menacing?  Great track, they did it right.  And obviously Chino is a big Simon LeBon fan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMs2SYAq08Y

The original, NSFW Duran Duran version.

Out on the tar plains the glides are moving
All looking for a new place to drive
You sit beside me so newly charming
Sweating dewdrops glisten, freshing your side

And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind
The front of your dress, all shadowy lined
The droning engine throbs in time
With your beating heart

Way down the lane away, living for another day
Aphids climb up in the drifting haze
Some seagull in the sky towards that hollow western isle
My envied lady holds you fast in her gaze

And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind
The front of your dress, all shadowy lined
The droning engine throbs in time
With your beating heart

And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind
The front of your dress, all shadowy lined
The droning engine throbs in time
With your beating heart

Sing blue silver

And watching lovers part, I feel you smiling
What glass splinters lie so deep in your mind
To tear out from your eyes, with a thought to stiffen brooding lies
And I’ll only watch you leave me further behind

And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind
The front of your dress, all shadowy lined
The droning engine throbs in time
With your beating heart

And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind
The front of your dress, all shadowy lined
The droning engine throbs in time
With your beating heart

Sing blue silver
Sing, sing, blue silver