Watched Dazed & Confused for probably the hundredth time this past weekend and am only now recognizing that each Senior Year character seems to have a corresponding Freshman Year character. This theory need some development. What I can say for sure though is that the scene with Pink, Wooderson and Mitch walking into The Emporium is a clear representation of past (Wooderson), present (Pink) and future (Mitch). This idea was rumbling around my head when I happened upon the following:
Past: Ruby Soho by Jimmy Cliff
Present: Ruby Soho by Rancid
Future: Ruby Soho by Vampire Weekend
Set aside the fact that the Jimmy Cliff version, though it sounds like older reggae, was recorded in 2012, a full 17 years AFTER the 1995 original by Rancid. Quite a compliment for a veteran reggae star to give to a bygone punk band! And the Vampire Weekend version, regardless of whether you love it or hate it, was recorded in 2010.
You might argue that I have the past present and future mixed up. Strictly speaking it should be Rancid, Vampire Weekend and Jimmy Cliff, which kinda flips the present-day reality on it's ear. I'd argue that Vampire Weekend is far more relevant today (which doesn't imply they are more vital) than either Jimmy Cliff or Rancid. And while Rancid is not exactly "present" with a 24 year old song, their sound is still far more energetic than 90% of what you will find on the radio. They sounded good then and they sound good now, making their Ruby Soho the definitive version.
And what does this have to do with Prince and/or Bowie? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
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