Tom: This week, Tim, we went to a trampoline park, where I heard this song. The next morning, I learned two things: first, that I’m not 16 any more and can’t jump around like that for hours without it hurting.
Tim: Deep Heat Pain Relief Heat Patches, mate – I currently have one on each thigh and they work like a charm.
Tom: Second, the guest artist on this song is only 16 and he probably still can do that, damn him.
Now, just a reminder – Cecelia is originally a Simon and Garfunkel song, which was covered in the most 90s way possible by Suggs. Yes, there’s a rap-reggae middle-eight. Of course. So it’s pretty clear than a 2010s boy band will have to change the style somewhat.
Tom: More Suggs than Simon and Garfunkel, there. And notably, an entirely new verse, presumably because “making love in the afternoon” ain’t the best first line for a wholesome boy band.
Tim: Yeah, that’s probably for the best. Interesting that we have another instance of the ‘feat.’ artist not standing out much – more like an guest member of the band, like Kelly Brooke at the Britain’s Got Talent auditions.
Tom: Now, a bit of an admission here: I really like this cover. The new verse is good, the production and vocals are solid, and that effect of only putting the full instrumentation in on the second line of the chorus works really well. I can even forgive the lacklustre middle eight and the chanty bit that follows it.
Tim: I think ‘admission’ is very much the wrong word there, Tom. Announcement, maybe, statement, or assertion, but admission sounds like you shouldn’t be doing it. And that’s wrong, because this is pretty good. An enjoyable cover worth listening to.
Tom: Also, I could do without that “why-ay-ay-ay” bit, but given that the alternative cover has that 90s “wheeeep” sample permanently in the back of it, I can live with it.
Tim: Well that’s only fair. Good work all round.