‘Tainted Love’ was first released by Gloria Jones back in 1964, and she re-released it in 1976, in a recording produced by her boyfriend, Marc Bolan. It then became a smash hit on both sides of the Atlantic when Soft Cell released it in 1981. Now, in the hands of Berlin’s Milky Chance, it’s been given a new lease on life, not merely bringing it into the 21st century, but making it sound like it’s a Milky Chance original.
Fans of Milky Chance, and their hits such as, ‘Cocoon’, ‘Stolen Dance’, and ‘Colorado’, among others, will instantly find a home with their treatment of ‘Tainted Love’. All the band’s instantly recognisable qualities are there – the quick-picked bass, the scratchy six-string guitar, and gorgeous synths which bring a brightness to the very corners of the track, as well as the lightest of vocals, and a slight reggae touch – as they tell the tale of obsession and longing. The cover earns its place alongside the other tracks on ‘Trip Tape’, which the duo’s recently dropped, a marvellous collection of new material, covers, rewrites, rare tracks, and sonic experiments.
The video for ‘Tainted Love’ sees frontman Clemens Rehbein, exploring a creepy apartment building. Although the front of his shirt is covered in blood, he’s not concerned, but is instead focused on pursuing a person dressed as a wolf, who darts between doorways and leaps out of the shadows. Just like Milky Chance’s music, the clip is whimsical but a little spooky, too, and extremely re-watchable.
Watch the music video and check out more about Milky Chance and their music online on their official website, and Instagram.
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