Music Criticism: Getting Satisfaction

A friend of mine recently bought me a gift — A.V. Club’s Inventory. As a frequent reader of The Onion’s A.V. Club, and a list connoisseur, this was a great surprise gift. Even though I’ve seen a few of the lists before, it’s no matter, because this is a solid bathroom book, and one can never have too many of those.

One list in the book is titled, “Play it Again, Only Better: 14 cover songs that outdo the originals.” Always a fun debate.

Like most any list, I agree with some entries and disagree with the others, but one inclusion in particular struck me: Devo’s cover of “(Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” An inspired remake, and an inspired choice for the list. The explanation reads:

“Why is Mick Jagger so sexually frustrated? The Rolling Stones classic is a slow burn with a syncopated grind, a come-on disguised as a lament. Devo turns the song into a real soundtrack for impotence.”

The description continues down the same path. Whereas Mick Jagger is Mick Jagger, Mark Mothersbaugh is not. Out of the two, who would have more issues with getting satisfaction?

I agree with everything written. It’s thoughtful and observant. Really, a spot-on critique.

…And yet, there’s no way I’d take the Devo version of “Satisfaction” over the original.

For better or worse, that’s music criticism.