Doppelbängers #2: Around The World

Milo here.

Ayo! To build some more *girth* in the ol’ category, I’mma pump out a few of these Doppelbängers lads for ya souls. As it was yesterday, Doppelbängers is the series where I take two or more songs with the same name, and decide whichun’ is the bestun’.

Today we’re deciding the best version of Around The World — Daft Punk v. Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Of course, we can easily decide the more iconic version. With its hypnotic video (directed by the legendary Michel Gondry), Daft Punk’s signature breakthrough single is one of the most recognisable dance songs of all time. Mechanically funky, the pedalling bassline and robotic drones make for a song equal in its repetitiveness and catchiness. Through its cyclical nature, it would be easy to assume that the song is much simpler than it is — there’s a genius to the subtle variation the duo sneak into it. It’s a grafting listen for sure.

On the other hand, the second single from the Chilis’ 1999 release Califorication is, in many ways, the polar opposite. There’s less of a methodical nature (as you’d expect) and more emphasis on fluidity, even by the band’s standards. It’s also one of their greatest hits — just so ya know. An underrated single, released at the same time of smashers Scar Tissue, Otherside and the album’s title track, the reckless funk and Frusciante-binging melodies crash through the notoriously indulgent mix (man, Rick, whatdidi ever do to you) with the all the grace of the Challenger but with a decidedly smoother finish.

Winner: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Lots of hugs, kisses and lacerations

Milo