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02 July 2009
Stagger Lee: An interesting article about this song and the art of cover versions, plus 27 (!) versions of "Stagger Lee" available for download. →[More:] If you've never heard Nick Cave's version, this is your chance. Don't miss it.
Here are acouple old Mefi posts that may be of interest.
I can also strongly recommend two books: Stackolee Shot Billy, which is sort of a cultural-history thing, and Stagger Lee, a great and ambitious graphic novel.
I like this blog for some of that stuff too. I think they have Stagolee as well as a ton of St James Infirmary versions. I donated whatever it was $5-10 and got access to all the back stuff.
I'll second jessamyn's recommendation of the Stackolee coverage a Honey, Where You Been... A great way to compare and contrast variations. I may need to pick up that book box recommends.
Oh, this is great -- thanks! My first intro to the whole Stagger Lee legend came from the Clash's version of "Wrong 'Em Boyo," and it's been one of those cultural/music motifs I've been fascinated by ever since.
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