The results of the "Folsom Prison Blues" poll

Remember a week ago?

The one by Everlast won, 3-1. My thoughts after the jump.

I probably like both equally. I like Reverend Horton Heat's version, due to its adherence to the minimalist spirit of the original. However, in that intimate a setting - just Jim Heath & his guitar - the right good reverend's voice falls just short of making this one a classic. Had he implemented the vocal skills he displayed on, say, "That's Showbiz," i.e. a deeper octave, that might have put that version over for me.

Everlast's version, on the other hand, takes the opposite path and throws a LOT at the wall, hoping for what sticks. And much of it does, in my book, from the keyboards to Everlast's gruff recitation. The only problem is, too much is going on; when I first heard this in the car stereo, I had a hard time picking up Everlast's vocals because of all the drums, keyboards, guitar chords, and "whee-ee" noise. But I gave this one the nudge because it's an okay update on a classic, and had the track used Generic Bass Hook #477 like most rap does nowadays, I'd have voted this one down, but that classic Cypress Hill "Insane in the Membrane" "whee-ee" makes this 1% greater than Heat's.

Of course, like most cover versions, neither touches the classic.