Other than the worryingly large number of people who have a) never heard of David Bowie, or b) never heard of David Bowie BUT have definitely heard of David Zowie, social media was predominately filled with a combination of sadness and mutual respect following the news of Bowie’s untimely death. The icon had celebrated universal acclaim, success and above all, admiration. His influence, even on the heavier end of the spectrum, unquestioned.
For Smash Mouth, those dudes who released ‘All Star’ and enjoyed a somewhat dubious resurgence thanks to a big green animated ogre, it prompted the desire to rush hastily onto SoundCloud and to stream afresh their uninspired cover*. The only pressure here, it seems, was streaming the track in Bowie’s wake. The result is mediocre at best, and wholly unnecessary.
Although I admit I am dangerously close to playing the grief police game that often dominates social media after a widely regarded tragedy, there is simply little to gain from releasing a substandard, straightforward and entirely unoriginal cover of what is regarded by many as one of the greatest songs of a generation. Whether this is deemed a suitable tribute or a mistimed and misguided rush-job, and there are presumably arguments for both, it is largely forgettable – a complete contrast to the man himself.
If you want to hear the Smash Mouth version, it’s here. I suggest you stick to this one.
*An earlier version of this story mentioned how the track was newly released. It was not. Still, it should have been left in the bargain bin.