Come Live Forever on this Musical Monday

In 1984, Alphaville released one of their greatest songs and biggest hits, "Forever Young". They released at least three different versions of the song (two of which were on their self-titled debut album from that same year), each one better than the previous. It's a song from which I've personally drawn much creative inspiration over the years, and it was a song many European Gen Xers loved. (Americans might have loved it too... I don't know if Alphaville made it over to the States or not.)

It's a song that's been covered many times, by many different performers. In the early 2000s, Mr. Hudson recorded this cover. Then, in 209, Mr. Hudson teamed up with rapper Jay-Z to record this... well... it's not really a cover, but it's got way too much of "Forever Young" incorporated to be considered an original work. So--a remake? Yes. Let's call it a remake.

In 2009, rapper Jay-Z teamed up with singer Mr. Hudson to remake "Forever Young" for a new generation, carrying much of the same messages. While it couldn't have existed without Alphaville's song, it is an interesting work in its own right. Watch the video, listen to the lyrics, let me know if you agree.

Jay-Z's version was reportedly a hit in its own right, so it's not surprising that it spawned a parody or two. In fact, it was a parody of that version that made me aware of Jay-Z's remake in the first place--a track by comedian Keith From Up Da Block that I recently came across in the distant corners of YouTube. It starts out a bit rough--Keith should not quit his day job for a career in music--but it is very funny if you stick with it. Check it out: