Joe Simon vs. Urban Mystic | Head 2 Head

In the 36th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Joe Simon and Urban Mystic contend for the best rendition of “The Chokin’ Kind.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberating, we render a verdict on which performance was the best, or, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  In the 36^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Joe Simon and Urban Mystic contend for the best rendition of “The Chokin’ Kind”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Joe Simon, “The Chokin’ Kind”

The Chokin’ Kind // Sony Music Entertainment // 1969

“I gave you my heart / But you wanted my mind,” Joe Simon sings, adding, “Your love scared me to death, girl / Oh, it’s the chokin’ kind.” That is some love that the late, great soul musician sings about on “The Chokin’ Kind”. “The Chokin’ Kind” appears as the fifth track on The Chokin’ Kind, the 1969 album by Simon. It was penned by Harlan Howard and produced by John Richbourg. Notably, Waylon Jennings and The Waylors originally sang it. Numerous covers followed, including Simon’s hit record which reached no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1969.  Simon also won the sole Grammy of his career for “The Chokin’ Kind” (Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male).  

Although brief, “The Chokin’ Kind”  packs a significant punch.  It is groovy to the nth degree from the onset. The arrangement and production are marvelous. Instrumental highlights include the drums/percussion, robust and active bass line, rhythmic guitar, warm organ, and articulated horns. Simon delivers easygoing vocals. A smooth, and utterly soulful singer, he sounds as if he barely breaks a sweat. Still, Simon brings ample swagger without doing too much; it feels natural without dare forcing the issue.  “You can kill a man / With a bottle of poison or a knife,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “It’ll hurt him more to take his pride / And ruin his life / Oh it’s a shame girl.” Besides honest lyrics, tuneful melodies, and top-notch vocals, the key modulation is superbly executed.  Key changes up the ante. That is the case on the unforgettable 60s classic, “The Chokin’ Kind”, one of the best songs from the Joe Simon catalog. 

Appears in 🔻:  

• Joe Simon, The Chokin’ Kind: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 74 (2024) 
• Incredible Songs: 1960s, Vol. 4 (2024)

2. Urban Mystic, “Chokin’ Kind”

Soulful Classics // SoBe Entertainment International // 2015 

“Well, your love scares me to death / Oh, it’s the chokin’ kind.” Southern soul singer Joe Simon earned pop success with his transformative cover of the Harlan Howard-penned, Waylon Jennings and The Waylors originally recorded, “The Chokin’ Kind”. Florida R&B singer Urban Mystic (Brandon Oneal Williams) covered the beloved Joe Simon version of the song on his 2015 album, Soulful Classics.  Notably, it’s referred to as “Chokin’ Kind”.  Williams puts his stamp on the ‘60s gem.

All in all, Urban Mystic’s rendition possesses a cool energy.  It’s laid-back but potent.  The production is a nice reproduction of the original.  The rhythm section is locked in, while the horns provide punch.  The vocals are filled with soul.  Williams is expressive but he never over-sings. Because of the gritty and raspy nature of his instrument, the timbre and color of his voice do sufficient heavy lifting.  Naturally, the melody is blessed by his distinct sound.  While UM excels in his middle register given his grit and raspiness,  his falsetto is ear-catching. While not the ripest falsetto, the coarseness is charming to the nth degree. Williams gets excellent support from harmonized background vocals – the help to fuel his fire.  Notably, “Chokin’ Kind” has a unique modulation built in.  I love how Williams eases into it, making it sound natural.  While he does a fine job of making “Chokin’ Kind” ‘his own’ throughout, it is the vamp at the end of the song where he truly puts his stamp on it.  Here, Williams lets her rip, over the background vocals singing “Chokin’” extending the duration of the song to three and a half minutes.  The fade-out at the end marks another selling point. “Chokin’ Kind” in the hands of Urban Mystic is sweet!

Appears in 🔻:

• Urban Mystic, Chokin’ Kind: Covers No. 33 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

It’s the moment of truth. Which cover of “The Chokin’ Kind” is the best? Is it the transformative cover by Joe Simon  from the 1960s or the fabulous 2015 cover of Simon’s cover by Urban Mystic? Urban Mystic not only retained the sanctity of the Grammy-winning Simon record, but he put his stamp on it.  That closing vamp that extended the song was nothing short of fire. Arguably, that’s the best part of the UM rendition. Still, Mr. Simon’s version is TIMELESS.  He took this superb country record and transformed it into a soul record, had success on the pop charts, and won a Grammy.  Great job Urban Mystic, but this Head 2 Head belongs to Joe Simon.

Joe Simon vs. Urban Mystic: Head 2 Head No. 36 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; SoBe Entertainment International, Sony Music Entertainment; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]