Milky Chance – ‘Tainted Love’

‘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.

Milky Chance - Tainted Love (Official Video)

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com