Uncovering 'Mrs. Robinson': The Lemonheads' Evan Dando Reflects on the Band's Iconic Cover and the Song's Unexpected Journey
The Lemonheads' frontman, Evan Dando, reflects on the band's cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson," which gained popularity after being featured in Martin Scorsese's film "The Wolf Of Wall Street." Initially, Dando disliked the song and its author, Paul Simon, but the movie's use of their cover changed his perspective. The band recorded the song in just three hours, taking it at a faster pace than the original and adding their unique touch to it. Despite the success of the cover, Dando felt the music business exploited the band's work for financial gain.
The story behind the creation of the original "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon & Garfunkel is also intriguing. The song was not initially intended for the film "The Graduate" but was added later at the director's request. The duo improvised the song's chorus on the spot, incorporating the character's name from the movie. The song's reference to Joe DiMaggio was a spontaneous addition that Simon later found fitting in the context of the song's creation.
Dando appreciates the spontaneous and casual approach to songwriting, believing it leads to some of the best music. Despite his ongoing dislike for Paul Simon, he acknowledges the value of creating music without overthinking it. The Lemonheads' cover of "Mrs. Robinson" became a hit, reaching high positions on music charts in the UK and the US. While the band initially struggled to move past the cover-song label, they eventually established themselves as more than just a one-hit wonder.
The legacy of "Mrs. Robinson" extends beyond The Lemonheads' cover, with various artists interpreting the song in their own styles. The track has been featured in other films, further solidifying its place in popular culture. Dando humorously reflects on the financial aspects of the song's use in "The Wolf Of Wall Street," joking about the perceived lack of compensation. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the song, Dando finds humor in the situation, highlighting the unexpected twists and turns in the music industry.