Today's post is obviously a result of yesterday's post.  While researching that entry, I discovered that the song "Popcorn" has been covered A LOT.  Dozens of times.  Maybe hundreds.

One of the YouTube clips I posted featured snippets of a few of them, including a kickin' techno version done by the M & H Band in 1987.  I'm normally not a huge fan of techno/dance/rave or whatever term suits you, but after hearing that sample, I really wanted to seek that song out.  I found a couple of versions on the Tube of You, and even a download link, and I am digging this version a whole bunch.

Basically my whole issue with techno is that it usually doesn't sound organic enough.  That may seem like a contradiction of sorts, but I still think music made via artificial methods can still sound natural.  We can debate what constitutes an "artificial" method 'til the cows come home, but I think you understand what I'm getting at.  If your snare drum sounds like someone is whacking a slab of paper inside of a sewer, I'll have problems with it.  But if your drum samples resemble real drums enough, you can still create a genuine, humanistic groove with them.  And I just love the groove in this version of "Popcorn."

Having said that, I will also say that I am definitely not real big on the overly rhythmic use of vocal samples.  I can really do without that whole "bow-bow-bow-bubba-boh-bow-bow" part.  But it's used somewhat sparingly, so it's not a huge distraction.

UPDATE (06/21/08):  This song is often credited to Kraftwerk.  I feel compelled to come back here and mention that it was NOT done by them.

YouTube video of someone making use of the song to kick ass and take names in a game of AudioSurf

A longer version

Download the song from ZShare