Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Levi Stubbs Plus a Few Octaves

Has anyone ever noticed that the bassline to "Like a Virgin" is, like, indistinguishable from that of "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)," by the Four Tops? I heard "Like a Virgin" rev up in the Diner in Adams Morgan, and I mentally prepared myself for some sweet Motown lovin'. Madonna's squealy voice ca. 1984 was a shock, indeed!

Almost related: Billy Bragg's tangential tribute to the Four Tops, "Levi Stubbs' Tears," is an awesome song.

2 deflowerings:

SFD said...

I saw the Four Tops at a Democratic fundraiser once, and they publically thanked Madonna for letting them use her bassline--a part she wrote when she was just seven years old!

Tim said...

SFD, you should know better. Democrats lie! (She was 6.)