Can you tell the difference between these and the original sounds?

This was once the catchphrase for cheap LPs of cover versions of current hits – a kind of low-rent predecessor to the Now that’s what I call music series

The answer the the question – of course – was always yes.

We hope that you can tell the difference between what we play and the original1960s versions of the ska classics in our repertoire.

But if you want to hear the originals, here is a We7 playlist.

There’s one cheat as it has Amy Winehouse singing “You’re wondering now”  rather than an original version. Indeed I’m not sure I’ve ever heard the original as the earliest version we know is by the modern incarnation of the Skatalites on Hi-Bop Ska. This is not on We7. but those with a Spotify acount can listen it here. (Spotify is better, but you need an invite to listen for free – but We7 still has lots of brilliant 60s ska.)

Nor have I put in original versions of some of the bonkers covers we do as our versions bear little relation to the originals, and we like to surprise at gigs!