Even if it isn't to your taste, Johnny Cymbal's oldie, "Mr. Bass Man," warrants respect. Not just anyone can sing a fast baritone part with this degree of precision and fun. Scooter and Floyd performed it impressively on "The Muppet Show."
There's another version, however, that I've only heard on the radio once--because I was the one who played it. While looking through the LPs at KCOU, I did a double take upon seeing that The Who's bassist, John Entwistle, covered it. While it might not be a perfect rendition, it holds up well. Entwistle captured the tune's inherent novelty value while staying true to the its spirit. That's what makes a good cover version. In retrospect, maybe I should have played it more than once.
