Louie Louie - The Kingsmen vs. The Sonics

[Rockin Rod Strychnine]

I'm pretty sure a lot of folks are going to choose the Sonics version of this song just for the sheer ferocity of it.  But as much as I love their version, it's my SECOND favorite after the Kingsmen.  I just think it's unbelievable that such a demented recording (that wasn't intended as such unlike novelty tunes of the era) could make it all the way to number 2 (or 1 according to Cashbox).  Persoanlly I think it's pretty wild for its time (that rock and roll limbo between 1958 and 64).  Anyone want to throw in their two cents and speak up for the Kingsmen as well just to prove me wrong?

[Alex]

I agree entirely. While the Sonics are pretty much my favorite band, I think that the Kingsmen's version is better. The sheer energy of the live crowd on the "In Person" album is just awesome. They really let loose on that entire record.

[Rockin Rod Strychnine]

To be honest, a lot of the crowd noise on the album was dubbed and exagerated. For proof, you can listen to the Jerden CD or Munster LP Live and Unreleased (I think that's what it's called) and that version of the album also has the version of LOuie Louie they really played at live shows as it was Lynn Easton on vocals at that point. The Louie Louie on In Person was the studio version with Jack Ely which is the version that is my favorite. it still has energy, just not all that "crowd" noise.

Alex said:

I agree entirely. While the Sonics are pretty much my favorite band, I think that the Kingsmen's version is better. The sheer energy of the live crowd on the "In Person" album is just awesome. They really let loose on that entire record.

[luscevious drummer]

crowd has nothing to do with the versions. The sonics versions is way guttsier, but the kingsmen version came to my ears first, and it blew me away!If i had to put it to a vote and justify it, i'd go for the kingsmen version just for the sake of being punk at a time when nobody sounded like that.

[Rockin Rod Strychnine]

In an odd way, their manager was probably more punk than the Kingsmen themselves as they wanted to record it AGAIN (apperently they thought they were just doing a run through for levels and getting ready) but the manager thought it was fine. Now let's record the flip side.

[kopper]

Same here. Love the Sonics' version, but I have to go with the version that destroyed America (and its youth)... the Kingsmen!

[Axel Björnsson]

swamp rats

[Jónbjörn Birgisson]

Ai second that!
Axel Björnsson said:

swamp rats

[Time For Tiffin]

I'm with you.
The Kingsmen by a country mile,

[Rockin Rod Strychnine]

Yeah, all that stuff really happened, ridiculous as it sounds.  If you google Dave Marsh and Louie Louie, you should be able to find some more info on that.

Adrian Spink said:

Is it really true that the FBI investigated this song in an attempt to determine what the lyrics really were?

(and - Kingsmen version is the one)

[Zorch Radio]

I like to play the Black Flag version with the Richard Berry's. Simultaneously.

 

But my vote goes for The Sonics. It feels more like an homage to the Wailers' version, than The Kingsmen's.  I like that.

[Mole]

Totally!!! THat is a BITCHIN' version!!! Truly punk rock!!

Axel Björnsson said:

swamp rats

[Mole]

I dig the Kingsmen version, wonderfully raw and crude. Great recorded sound, pretty gutsy on the low end for white boys in '63! Sonics cut is cool too though, especially the way they change the chords and make it kinda meaner, know what I mean?