Update: Video of the recording and a stream of the finished song have hit the web and you can have a look/listen below. It’s actually not that bad (certainly far better than that “We Are The World” remake) and it’s a pretty spirited version of an already very spirited original. If you like it, think about making a purchase of the single as all proceeds are going to relief efforts for Haiti.
With Haiti still reeling from a devastating earthquake, celebrities worldwide are continuing to throw their efforts behind projects that will help benefit the citizens who are still in dire need of food, water and medicine. But as far as celebrity projects go, this one is definitely the most out there.
The Pogues frontman, legendary drunk and dentist’s best friend Shane MacGowan recruited a formidable group of players who recorded a cover of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ classic “I Put A Spell On You” last Friday in London. Among the participants were Nick Cave, Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie, The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde, the Clash’s Mick Jones, the Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock, singer Paloma Faith and uh, Johnny Depp. And not just content to show up in the studio, sing a few lines, drink a pint and get his picture taken, Depp actually played guitar on the track.
The track will go on sale later this month with all proceeds to going to Dublin-based charity Concern Worldwide’s Haiti relief efforts. Have a listen to Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ version below (which was put to good use by Jim Jarmusch in “Stranger Than Paradise”):
“I Put A Spell On You” – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins