Gary Moore: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

I’ve been thinking about this song for a couple of weeks. In a faculty/staff development session at Mountain State University, my coworker Vanessa Thompson and I burst into an impromptu version of the Animal’s version of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” So, I thought I would find a decent cover of the song – without having to revert to Santa Esmeralda’s disco treatment of the tune.

I stumbled on the late Gary Moore’s version last week and, although it is true to The Animals’ arrangement, it is heavier.

The Animals’ Version

This 1965 single by The Animals was not the original version of the song. It was first recorded during the previous year by Nina Simone – whose version is quite laid back by comparison. Eric Burdon and crew charted at #15 in the US and the single was released on the American version of the album “Animal Tracks,” which was totally different from the original UK album of the same name.

For those who care about such things, keyboardist Alan Price is playing a Vox Continental combo organ; bassist Chas Chandler utilizes a Epiphone Rivoli bass guitar, and guitarist Hilton Valentine is strumming a 1962 Gretsch Tennessean.