Sometimes, the remake is better than the original

I tend to be a purist, and prefer original versions to remakes.  Sometimes, though, things just keep getting better.  For example, compare the 1929 version of “Singing in the Rain” (with a crazy ark in the background) to Gene Kelly’s iconic performance in 1952.  First, the 1929 version, which I know you’ll hope never to have to hear again:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUoTAtl8lv8[/youtube]

And then Gene Kelly, making magic:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCpOKtN8ME[/youtube]

I recently found another example of a song vastly improved in a remake.  I really like Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5.”  Little did I realize that it’s a heavily revised version of Xavier Cugat’s song of the same name.  Again, first the oldie (and I wouldn’t advise giving it more than about 30 seconds to a minute of your time):

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5vSC8wBSMc[/youtube]

And now Lou Bega’s version, which bears really only a passing resemblance to the original:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vaw-9WElAjc[/youtube]

I only realized the two were related when I heard Cugat’s version on the radio and caught a few familiar musical tropes.