I was browsing through songs to write about and this title jumped out at me. I had to listen to it and I recognized it right away. It’s probably been the 70s since I heard this one last. Who ever recorded the bass in this song knew what they were doing…it’s crystal clear in front.
Crow was a blues rock band from Minneapolis and their first band name was South 40. They formed in 1967 and their members were brothers guitarist Dick Wiegand and bassist Larry Wiegand, singer David Wagner, keyboardist Kink Middlemist, and drummer Harry Nehls who was replaced by Denny Craswell.
Crow gained popularity locally in Minneapolis and then expanded their reach by touring regionally. They built a strong reputation for their live performances and powerful blues-rock sound. In 1969, Crow signed a record deal with Amaret Records.
This song was on their debut album called Crow Music. It was their only big hit. and peaked at #15 in Canada and #17 on the Billboard 100 in 1969. Many people will know the song because Black Sabbath covered it with the name of just Evil Woman and it was their first single.
The band broke up in 1972…they reformed in 1980 with a different lineup. In 2005, they were inducted into the Minnesota Rock/Country Hall of Fame and, in 2009, the Iowa Rock & Roll Music Hall of Fame. I had no clue they had those Hall of Fames in those states. They still play once in a while in the Midwest.
Larry Wiegand bass player: “It was not a fictional story but had the same inspiration as Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Both tell the story of a guy who was accused of being the father of a gal’s baby. He claims he isn’t the father. ‘Evil woman, don’t play those games with me’ is his response to her accusations. Not an uncommon story for young folks – then or now. All the Crow songs were about what young folks had to deal with at one time or another. I like to think each song is a snapshot of what was happening to us at the time.”
Black Sabbath’s cover
Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games With Me)
I see the look of evil in your eyes
You’ve been filling me all full of lies
The morrow will not change your shameful deed
You will be someone else’ fertile seed
Evil woman, don’t play your games with me
Evil woman, don’t play your games with me
Now I know just what your looking for
You want me to claim this child you bore
But I know that it was he, not me
And you know just how it’s got to be
Evil woman, don’t play your games with me
Evil woman, don’t play your games with me
Wickedness lies in your moistened lips
Your body moves just like the crack of a whip
Black cats lay atop your satin bed
You sure wish that you could see me dead
Evil woman, don’t play your games with me
Evil woman, don’t play your games with me
…
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Never knew the Sabbath tune was cover. Speaking of covers how about that Sabbath album cover for the debut Max. So friggin creepy yet what an impact …
That is one of the best covers I’ve ever seen…very cool design…it would fit a horror movie just as well.
I think I had heard the Black Sabbath version in passing but the Crows one is brand new to me. Not a bad song at all for tune or words. My first thought looking at the post was the Black Crowes seem to have usurped these guys bird logo
I didn’t think about that but yes you are right! They did grab their logo pretty much. I remember it Dave back in the day…I never heard the Sabbath version.
I like the line dancing in the second video.
Yea I decided to use someone’s homemade video…it fit well.
I knew the song but hadn’t seen the video. I prefer the original to the cover due to the horn section.
I do also…I like the sound of that bass…very clear and up front.
Loved this song from whenit was brand new, especially those horns!
I’m glad you remembered it! I did once I heard it but it’s been a long time. I do like those horns and that bass sound they got.
I have that Crow single (u.s. copy) but for some reason, I always thought that they recorded it after Sabbath. I now know different.
It was a blast from the past for me… funny thing is I really didn’t know the Black Sabbath version of it well…or don’t remember it.
I recognized the song but would not have been able to tell you who did it. How you dig this stuff up still amazes me, great post.
Thanks Randy…I love finding this stuff… a good website for that is http://www.acclaimedmusic.net.
I have used that site many a time but haven’t visited in a long while.
Didn’t recognize the Ozzy cover but immediately recognized Crow’s version. Good song! That video is badass! I wonder if it is a whole movie or just a an early music video. Can’t believe she punted that poor little lamb!
I would love to know where they got that footage. I’m glad you remembered it!
It might be a Fellini film. It has the look of it. That opening breast shot sure got my attention. She looks like a remarkably well-preserved corpse — or maybe she’s an immortal demon?
There has to be a way to find out…I haven’t watched a Fellini film since high school…I’m going to watch it again and see if I can find an actress in it I know.
I found it!
https://youtu.be/iNrIUANm50s?si=K_92hds4x7Sqfv5-
Thats an interesting scene! Makes me want to see the movie.
Found it
Simon del Desierto
or Simon of the Desert in English…
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059719/
Awesome! I am thinking The Criterion Channel would have this one available. Looks really good.
It does…when I get home I’m going to look for it.
https://www.criterionchannel.com/simon-of-the-desert
Thank you!
YW
Her name is Silvia Pinal and she is still living…born in 1931
OMG she *is* immortal! 😉
Good song! I don’t think I had ever heard “Evil Woman” before, neither by Crow nor by Black Sabbath. I only knew that other evil woman by ELO, “The Evil Woman” 🙂
Yea…the ELO song is the one I think of as well. More people knew this one that I would have thought.
Very cool!
I remember Crow’s version well, as it got a lot of radio play when it came out. I’ve never heard the Black Sabbath cover, but then, I’ve never really listened to B.S.
Yea that was me also…I didn’t know their version.