Here’s Nick Cave’s version of Stagger Lee, with a video shot by a student film maker.  It’s a darker, heavier version of the song.  It’s the soundtrack to tears in a glass of whiskey & regrets that won’t leave you alone, rather than a lighthearted coming of age beach trip for high school girls.  There’s a time & a place for both of course.

And courtesy of my friend Keith, here’s a version from a band called Modern Life is War. So this version is definitely not my style.  I can’t get into the growling vocals.

Neil Diamond also covered this song.  It’s remarkable for just how straight it is.  I don’t think Neil Diamond could sing behind the beat if his life depended on it.  I’d love to see what would happen if the audience at the Wilson Pickett show got to see Neil Diamond perform this instead.  Riots.

There is also a saxophone solo.