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Certain songs are impossible to hate. Certain songs are impossible to NOT love. They are timeless classics that you could play for anybody, any age, and any color, and receive the same reaction: joy. These songs belong on an imaginary list where perfection is the norm. Buffalo Springfield‘s “For What It’s Worth” is one of these songs.
Stephen Stills made a flawless song and it’s one that, if I haven’t learned anything from the bloggosphere, is one of those songs that should not be touched, covered, or (gasp) remixed. Then I discovered this cover. The boss Bossa beat from Sergio Mendez and the flowery yet soulful multiple tones from Brasil 66 takes this song over the top.
They give the song a serious Brazilian shot in the arm, giving it a new, beautiful energy. It may not top the original, but it’s just as impossible not to love it.
When the simple beat comes on, I’ll still always visualize Forrest Gump laying the lumber in Vietnam or Jesus Shuttlesworth making it rain in Rucker Park. But now: we can dance to it.
Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 – For What It’s Worth
Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth