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Small-Scale Question Sunday for September 7, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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What are your favorite versions of classic songs/folk tunes/jingoistic drivel/any song or piece that's been covered many times over the years? I find some versions of these songs nigh unlistenable, but one inevitably ends up being 'the' authoritative version. In particular, prompted by the fact that I hate the Sinatra version of Moon River, but I've been subjecting my family to the Melody Gadot version for weeks now.

The Battle Hymn of the Republic (although the version by Jon Batiste is also interesting).

Will the circle be unbroken (shoutout to the Bioshock version).

Unchained Melody.

This version of La Marseillaise.

Hit me with anything you got that's even broadly related, I'm curious what I've been missing.

There’s a whole genre of Irish Republican songs from the War of Independence and the Troubles. History and politics aside, a lot of it is really good folk music, and it’s all free on YouTube. For any single song you can probably find dozens of covers from the 1960s to the present.

Not a rebel song, but Parting Glass by Luke Kelly. Luke Kelly is going to show up a lot on lists on best versions of trad/rebel songs, as likely will Ronnie Drew.