http://www.billboard.com/bb/chartbeat/chat.jsp/

Taken from the Billboard Website.

’FLOWER’ POWER

Hi Fred,

Being a Swedish music fan, specifically of Roxette (as I know you are), I write regarding D.H.T.’s rise into the top 40. While I’m happy to see such a great song reach a whole new generation I find it frustrating that Roxette isn’t getting any of the credit. The slower version of the song is very true to the original, [but is] lacking Marie Fredriksson’s amazing vocals (then again, I’m biased).

I suppose the same thing happened to Talk Talk when No Doubt had a hit with “It’s My Life.” What are your thoughts on this? Being abreast of the European music scene I assume you have heard the new remix of “Fading Like a Flower” that is doing well in the United Kingdom. Any opinions on these two Roxette covers that seem to be storming the charts on both sides of the Atlantic? Also any info on whether the “Fading” remix will be released in the United States?

A long-time reader,

Simon Bray
Middletown, N.J.

Dear Simon,

As reported in “Chart Beat,” D.H.T.’s version of “Listen to Your Heart” is the first remake of a Roxette hit to chart on the Hot 100. The song continues to move up (rising 36-30), and this week it also tops our Hot Dance Radio Airplay tally.

You are probably not the first fan of a band with a hit that’s been covered to prefer the original. My personal take on cover versions is that I enjoy them when the remake gives us something new. Unless there’s a point to remaking a song, what’s the point?

Since Per Gessle of Roxette co-wrote “Listen to Your Heart,” I’m guessing he’s happy about the D.H.T. version. Songwriters love for other artists to record their songs. It keeps their work alive, and sometimes inspires people to seek out the originals. We wouldn’t be talking about Roxette right now if D.H.T. hadn’t covered “Listen to Your Heart.” And from a financial point of view, it can be very lucrative to have artists record your songs.

I checked the current list of top 40 dance songs in the U.K. and couldn’t find a version of “Fading Like a Flower.” Are you referring to the Mysterio version from Austria, released in that country in 2004? I don’t know of any plans for a U.S. release, but with the success of the D.H.T. single, it wouldn’t surprise me if labels started to look for other Roxette cover versions to release.