People always want to know which are my favorite versions of Louie Louie. It's always a tough question. I enjoy them all even the crappy ones.

It's like asking a mother which is her favorite child. Well, not really. Most parents really do have a favorite but they won't admit to it for fear of crushing their kid's chances of making something of themselves. I guess since we're talking about a song and not a kid I can at least name 10 of my favorites for ya!

Let's give it to you right now! (I've always wanted to say that!)

In no particular order...

John Belushi: A great version!

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: A rockin version, made better by Petty's insistance that he's, "not gonna play that &*!@$# song!". He of course then plays that &*!@$# song and it's a big hit.

The Turtles: Aside from being funny to listen to, it features a brief medley which includes 'Sweet Child of Mine' and 'The Right Stuff' They also introduce it as, "the best song ever written in the history of the world". Who am I to argue?

The Flamin' Groovies: ANY OF THEIR VERSIONS. They know how to party and sell that song!

Iggy Pop: ANY VERSION! He always makes that song an adventure.

Rockin' Robin Roberts: This is the version that really inspired all future covers. It is raw and unbridled and it has no equal.

Black Flag: You've gotta here it to believe it!

The Sonics: Pre-punk. Pre-metal. Damn lotta power here!

Motorhead: I like the live version best. Lemme and the boys can only play 3 chords and I'm glad they are the ones needed for 'Louie Louie'

10th Place is a Tie!
Luxury Liner: A GREAT version filled with wonderful syncopation. It sounds like a REAL song!
The Navahodads: Another very fun version. Kinda zydeco, kinda lounge lizard! I've actually used this one on stage!

Honorable Mention:

The Fat Boys: I can listen to this one any day of the week!

Johnny Winter: 2 different languages, and an accordion solo!

Robert Plant: It's Robert Plant for God's sake!

Pete Fountain: A classy interpretation of an otherwise stupid song.

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