Why Has 'Pure Imagination' Been Covered So Many Times?
On Thursday, Oct. 30 Soundcheck is hosting an afternoon Halloween costume party with the band Primus, who will be performing selections from its new Willy Wonka-inspired record. Go here for more details.
The 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is filled with classic and oh-so-memorable songs written by the songwriting duo Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley: "The Candy Man,"I've Got A Golden Ticket," and, of course, "Oompa Loompa" -- which repeatedly serves as thematic interludes for each character. But perhaps no song from the movie has taken on a life of its own more than "Pure Imagination," performed by actor Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka himself.
As it turns out, “Pure Imagination” has been reworked, modified and reinterpreted hundreds of times by an array of artists -- from Lou Rawls to Maroon 5 to Fiona Apple. Even Primus is dipping into the world of reimagination. The delightfully quirky alt-rock weirdos are set to put out Primus And The Chocolate Factory, a new collection inspired by the music original Willy Wonka film -- and even releasing it on chocolate-colored vinyl.
In a conversation with Soundcheck host John Schaefer, entertainment reporter Gary Burton explains why "Pure Imagination" has become such a beloved staple, and who has recorded the best, and worst versions.
Fiona Apple (2013)
Gary Burton: The beginning is a counter melody; that's why it always feels off-kilter. That's why it also feels like a waltz but it's not. It is a lullaby drawing those kids and that family into that room, but there's something a tiny bit sinister about it. [Fiona Apple's version] was part of this viral commercial [for Chipotle's ad about factory farming] and that's trying to sell a nice lovely thing. That is actually worth looking at -- it's a really lovely animation. The song is probably the best cover version I’ve heard.
Monty Alexander (2002)
GB: If you actually look at the sheet music for the song, the chords are amazing. They’re jazz chords like E minor 11th's over A’s. I would imagine it’s pretty daunting. Maybe that’s why so many people in the jazz world have covered it because it lends itself into that theme.
Lou Rawls, from All Things In Time (1976)
GB: It’s so close to the original. I mean, I guess they must have just fallen in love with that song like we all did. He had that jazz strain that we talked about earlier. The great thing about this version: it’s a light disco version for that era. But of course he does the spoken intro, and because it’s Lou Rawls he has that voice which is why I think it’s so appealing.
Jamie Cullum, from Momentum (2013)
GB: It’s the structure that allows him play around with that top melody line. If you actually go to the YouTube version there are a lot of people who say, “I don't understand this.” But that’s his job, to explore the avenues with it. He’s like the old style interpreters, like a Frank Sinatra. He can really take a song and make it his own. Which is the real fine art to doing a cover version.
Russell Brand, at the 2012 London Olympics
GB: I think this was one of the strangest ones, he segues into “I Am The Walrus” at some point. The guy can sing a little bit as he’s demonstrated in a couple movies.
Family Guy, "Pure Inebriation"
GB: That scene has been spoofed many times that one in Family Guy, which is fantastic. The lyrics are great. And of course, as the lead singer is singing it, it's just genius.
Maroon 5, from Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise (2009)
GB: It’s actually not too bad. I think everyone immediately kind of goes "Ugh!" when they hear it's Maroon 5, but it’s actually okay.
John Schaefer: You’re a bit more generous then I would be.
Bucket Head from Bucketheadland (1992) and Giant Robot (1994)
