Back to the garage this week for a five-pack of versions of "I Ain't No Miracle Worker." The Annette Tucker/Nancy Mantz penned tune (they wrote "I Had Too Much Too Dream Last Night) was originally waxed by The Brogues in 1965. The Everyman, gruff vocals will put hair on your chest and the precise playing will make you think these guys can move mountains. An even more macho take comes from Canada's Great Scots, and we can attest to Canadian masculinity, can't we?The singer of this one might have turned into The Hulk (TM) later ... Podcast faves The Chocolate Watchband slow the tempo down and had some exotic touches - is that a balalaika? Dave Aguilar's vocal performance is more pained and we like the nuances. In the early 80s, British retronauts The Barracudas did the tune & it's jangly, power-poppy, and even a little post-punk in the vocals. Nice one, that. Finally, fast forward to 2023 for a postmilennial version by The KVB that draws out the no-hope message of the song and our times! Just take them for what they are!!!
