I'd go as bold as to say that this does in fact rival the original composition itself. This shimmers. There's a fairly interesting story that Walter had intended to cover the song while the band was recording in-studio, but since the band was not at all familiar with the 80's pop staple, he had to teach each member of the band how to perform their parts, and in the end they sort of ended up with a hybrid jam... and in turn birthed completely different beast given the context of the Smiths' classic in the hands of Walter and Co. Morrissey brings lament to the song, but Walter is more demanding, and sounds as desperate as anyone could ever do if they were to cover this track.
Now, this is technically available on CD, on a difficult to find "Dine Alone" promo with this song as the third track. Unfortunately, it's pretty flat... do yourself a favor and make sure you get the vinyl LP for 'Slip'. "Transparent" is one of the best songs on that record, and a good closer, but "HSIN?" closing really makes the record a treasure.
The appeal is simple--it's a searing cover of an already legendary song and thanks to vinyl and the effects of psychoacoustics (and a nice EQ and versatile table help immensely), it's much easier to enjoy. The CD version of 'HSIN?" clocks in at 3:02 and the vinyl counterpart is 2:59... but those three odd seconds make a LOT of difference if you want it as pure as possible, no digital rectifying this (or any other song on 'Slip', for that matter). I have mp-three versions of both Quicksand's versions, and if anyone wants to compare, drop me a line, and I'll let you decide which is king... clear and concise, or gritty and determined.
I'd go as bold as to say that this does in fact rival the original composition itself. This shimmers. There's a fairly interesting story that Walter had intended to cover the song while the band was recording in-studio, but since the band was not at all familiar with the 80's pop staple, he had to teach each member of the band how to perform their parts, and in the end they sort of ended up with a hybrid jam... and in turn birthed completely different beast given the context of the Smiths' classic in the hands of Walter and Co. Morrissey brings lament to the song, but Walter is more demanding, and sounds as desperate as anyone could ever do if they were to cover this track.
Now, this is technically available on CD, on a difficult to find "Dine Alone" promo with this song as the third track. Unfortunately, it's pretty flat... do yourself a favor and make sure you get the vinyl LP for 'Slip'. "Transparent" is one of the best songs on that record, and a good closer, but "HSIN?" closing really makes the record a treasure.
The appeal is simple--it's a searing cover of an already legendary song and thanks to vinyl and the effects of psychoacoustics (and a nice EQ and versatile table help immensely), it's much easier to enjoy. The CD version of 'HSIN?" clocks in at 3:02 and the vinyl counterpart is 2:59... but those three odd seconds make a LOT of difference if you want it as pure as possible, no digital rectifying this (or any other song on 'Slip', for that matter). I have mp-three versions of both Quicksand's versions, and if anyone wants to compare, drop me a line, and I'll let you decide which is king... clear and concise, or gritty and determined.