Adam Sandler, ‘Werewolves of London’ – Terrible Classic Rock Covers
Actors act and singers sing, and never the twain shall meet. That's the lesson we can all take from Adam Sandler's kicking-a-corpse-before-it's-cold take on Warren Zevon's 'Werewolves of London.'
Sandler's terrible cover version appeared on 'Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Warren Zevon,' a tribute album released in 2004. The title comes from Zevon's famous final interview on 'The Late Show With David Letterman,' where the singer-songwriter said that was what he had learned about life as a result of his battle with mesothelioma, which would claim his life on Sept. 7, 2003, at the age of 57.
'Enjoy Every Sandwich' features many of Zevon's musical friends and admirers -- including Don Henley, Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen -- covering his songs. Zevon's son Jordan, a singer-songwriter who released the 'Insides Out' album in 2008, contributed a moving rendition of 'Studebaker,' a song Zevon never officially released. With so many talented fans at the ready, one has to wonder precisely how Sandler wound up on the album, no less recording Zevon's most famous song.
Sandler may have recorded a few amusing songs for his hit comedy albums and managed to parlay that success into his role as 'The Wedding Singer,' but he should never be confused with an actual singer. The charm of his other vocal performances come from his inability to sing rather than any technical prowess. But that didn't stop him from aping Zevon here.
There's none of the savage black humor found in Zevon's version of the song -- especially not in the live version from 'Stand in the Fire' (which you can listen to below), where he improvises lyrics about Browne and James Taylor. And the less said about Sandler's attempt at scatting near the end of his cover the better. At best, it's a competent karaoke take, and he does hit all the falsetto howls in the chorus. But, much like in his movies, Sandler skims only the surface and never fully inhabits the character.
Zevon may have implored us to enjoy every sandwich, but instead of honoring the man's words, Sandler rammed a giant turd down our throats.
Listen to Warren Zevon's 'Werewolves of London'