Cover Versions, Alternative Versions and Remixes

Given the popularity of the music in Monkey (by the Japanese band Godiego), it follows that numerous cover versions and remixes of the songs have been done by people around the world. In addition to this, alternative versions of the songs have been recorded by Godiego and Masaaki Sakai.

If you have any more information about any other cover versions, alternative versions, or remixes of any songs from Monkey, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page.

[new] Monkey Magic remixes by Grebeau now available to download! [new]

For the first time ever, the legendary remixes of Monkey Magic that were done in 2003 by UK-based Grebeau and were included on the UK Monkey DVD boxsets in 2004 are NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD!!

Go to the Grebeau web site, and go to the LISTEN section to download them!

Also, Grebeau would be really interested to know what you think of the remixes - just go to the CONTACT section on the Grebeau web site.

Enjoy!!!

Monkey Magic

Everyone knows this one!

1) New Monkey Magic remixes by Grebeau

UK-based Grebeau have done some awesome new dance remixes of "Monkey Magic", which were originally planned to be released in the UK towards the end of 2003.
Grebeau, the brainchild of Charles Massey, have produced 5 amazing dance remixes of "Monkey Magic".
Go to the Grebeau website to hear preview clips from these remixes, and to hear clips of other Grebeau material.

NOTE: If you know a record company that may be interested in releasing these remixes in the UK, please tell them to contact me using the Monkey Feedback page.

If you're a UK radio station, and you would be interested in playing these remixes, contact me using the Monkey Feedback page. Alternatively, tell your local radio station to visit www.monkeyheaven.com and contact me if they'd like to give these remixes some airplay. If you have an email address for your favourite local / national radio station / DJ, click here to send them a message about the Monkey Magic remixes!

To be automatically notified with any further news / information about these Monkey Magic remixes (when I've updated this page with the new information), please fill in the form below with your email address, and click OK.

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2) Cover version by Terra Diablo

In early 2003, someone called Ian contacted me to tell me that his band, Terra Diablo, recently did a cover of Monkey Magic. Here's his message:
"My band recently did a cover of the Monkey Theme live for BBC Radio Scotland in the style of Neil Young. Thats gotta be worth a listen eh? You can get it at http://www.terradiablo.com/. Lemmy know what you think. Ta mooch."

[This remix is no longer available for download from their website at http://www.terradiablo.com/monkeymagic.rm - if you know where I can find it, or if you have a copy of it, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page! My question: Where can I find a copy of this?]

3) Remix by Rob Cohen

In December 2002, I received this message from Phil Littlehales, Label Manager at Spoon Juice Records:
"Hi, looking at your monkey site and noticed you don't have a version of monkey on your site that has been done by "cohen" please feel free to add it to your site!!!
http://www.spoonjuicerecords.com/cohen-unreleased/
you can download it from here!"

Here's a direct link to the Monkey Magic MP3: Rob Cohen - Monkey Magic.mp3 (8.75 MB)

Note: According to the MonotStreet.com :: Monot Music International New Releases :: web page, this Monkey Magix remix was released as a 12 inch single on 2 June 2003.

4) Soko

Go to the Monkey Music - New Monkey Magic Single web page for full information, and to download the two versions of it in MP3 format!

5) "Saiyukidensetsu" medley

A Japanese person contacted me with this information:
"Everytime I sing this medley called "Saiyukidensetsu" at karaoke, the Monkey Magic part is always in English and the rest is in Japanese), so I thought that might be of some use to you.
Once I saw the Japanese pop group SMAP perform the Monkey medley on their music show SMAPxSMAP. That was awesome. :-)"
[If you have any more information about this, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page! My questions: Who is the artist credited for the medley? If I wanted to sing this at a Japanese karaoke box / bar, what is the artist name I would need to look for? Also, which songs from Monkey are included in this medley?]

6) Korean cover version by E-Paksa (Korean singer)

This cover version is being used as one of the tunes you can dance to on the 'Pump It Up Exceed' dancing machines you see sometimes in arcades.
More info here: http://www.pumpxtreme.net/exceed.html
Download it: Monkey Magic - Pump It Up (1.4MB)

7) Monkey Magic techno mix by Shaft

In February 1999, someone sent me this information:
"In 92 a techno artist called Shaft came out with a tune called Monkey which was a kinda mix of Carl Douglas's Kung Fu Fighting and snippets of dialogue and fighting FX from the show :)

jus as a side note Shaft also did the rave version of the Rhubarb and Custard theme - another great cult TV show and Dai-X would kick Power Rangers ass anyday ;)

the snippets are part of the narrative intro, various sword swishing sounds, i think pisgy saying something like "monkey sayy-yaa" - - if i remember right the Pigsy Vs Sandy mix is the best track on the 12" - unfortunately I couldn't bring it with me so I'm not able to transfer it but it should be on a lot of old rave compliation CDs which you might find in bargain bins etc. from Burton, Staffs, UK to Tallahasse, Florida Alan Lewis"

I've found detailed information about this release from the Library of Congress Online Catalog (http://catalog.loc.gov/):

LC Control Number: 94745136
Type of Material: Music Sound Recording
Main Title: Monkey [sound recording].
Published/Created: London : Ffrreedom, p1992.
Related Names: Shaft. prf
Description: 1 sound disc : analog, 33 1/3 rpm ; 12 in.
Publisher Number: TABX 114 Ffrreedom
Contents: Monkey (Bruce Lee vs. monkey mix) ---Monkey (Pigsy and Sandy mix) - ---Monkey (gyrating intestines mix) -- Roobarb & custard (Roobarb's noise machine mix).
Notes: Brief record.
Cast: Performed by Shaft.
Subjects: Rock music--1991-2000.
LC Classification: Ffrreedom TABX 114
Other System No.: (OCoLC)29858943

CALL NUMBER: Ffrreedom TABX 114
- -- Request in: Recorded Sound Reference Center (Madison, LM113)
- -- Status: Not Charged

Here's some more information I've received about this release:
Shaft - Monkey (Ffrreedom)
Format: CD5"
Catalog#: TABCD 114
Released: 1992
Country: UK
Style: Hardcore
Tracklisting:
1 Monkey (Bruce Lee Vs Monkey Edit)
2 Monkey (Bruce Lee Vs Monkey Mix)
3 Monkey (Gyrating Intestines Mix)
remix by Choci
4 Roobarb & Custard (Roobarb's Noise Machine Mix)
remix by Mark Pritchard

[If you know where I can find a copy of this on CD (I only have a tape recording of it), please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page!]

8) Hiphop remix

In 2000, someone sent me this message:
"You gotta check this real audio stream from breakbeatmeisters Irian Jaya. Not only is it fantastic but it also contains a bit of monkey magik..."
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/jaya/vinylchaos.ram

One comment I've received on this remix:
"The opening narration from Monkey is basically stuck on the front of a 38 minute hip-hop mix... I'm only 5 mins into it, but so far that was the only Monkey connection!"

9) Monkey Magic 1999

You can find lots of information about this on the Monkey Music - Monkey Magic 1999 page.
MP3s of 2 of the remixes are no longer available to download:
Monkey Magic (Malawa Rocks Mix) - Electronic Remix (4.8MB)
Monkey Magic (Plan3t Death Mix) - Electronic Remix (4.4MB)
[If you have any more information about this, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page! My question: Is it still possible to buy this CD from somewhere?]

10) Cover version by Meester Steenky

In October 1998, James Byrne wrote to me:
"Hello Y'all

First time to write.

My band Meester Steenky has just completed recording for a CD and while in the studio we recorded our cover of the Monkey Magic theme.

We will not be releasing it as we would probably get into trouble legally since that other bands due to release it. (unless someone knows something I don't).

If anybody wants a copy I have converted it a to an Mp3.

Give us a bell and I'll E-Mail it to you.

We have also written a song about how I used to role play monkey magic at school and I got to be monkey. This song will be released so if you like the theme cover give us a bell and I might send you an advanced listen our song.

Good talking to you

James Byrne"

[If you have any more information about this, in particular where I can find the MP3 of this track, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page!]

11) Computer game cover of Monkey Magic

From Warren Pilkington:
"On another note, one of my C64 tunes has a hidden cover version of 'Monkey Magic' in the tune. If you want to hear it, first go and get Sidplay for your computer -
For Windows, download Sidplay 2/w from the sidplay2/w website.
For Mac, download Sidplay 3.1 for Mac OS X from the SIDPLAY/MacOS X information page website.

And then to download my Nukenin and the Ronin tune, you can download it from any of:
http://boron.prg.dtu.dk/HVSC/C64Music/VARIOUS/S-Z/Waz/Nukenin_And_The_Ronin.sid
http://www.tld-crew.de/c64music/VARIOUS/S-Z/Waz/Nukenin_And_The_Ronin.sid

Play it in Sidplay and listen for that cover!"

12) Remix by Aron Toman (1998)

Monkey_remix.mp3 (2.1MB) - A Monkey mix featuring music from Monkey and lots of samples.

13) Hard rock cover version of Monkey Magic

In November 1999, someone in Australia called "The Wizard" sent me this information:
"Hey,I just heard a hard rock/punk version of the Monkey theme on the radio. The DJ said it is a single that has not been released yet. It's by Page Hamilton (formally of hard rock outfit 'Helmet'.) IT ROCKS. No info on a release date yet.

...Helmet are American....and I can imagine them doing the theme, it will be hard and clinical, a thumpin monotone stacatto groove...

Can't wait!"
[If you have any more information about this, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page! My questions: Do you know if this is available on CD? Does anyone have an MP3 of it?]

14) ITV Digital

In January 2002, The Guardian newspaper (UK) reported that the ITV Digital channel in the UK, which uses a knitted toy monkey and his human sidekick Al, played by comedian Johnny Vegas in its advertising campaign, considered recording a cover version of Monkey Magic!

15) Special Japanese version of "Monkey Magic" ("Magic Goku") by Yukihide Takekawa for Japanese PS / PS2 "Saiyuki" / "Saiyuki" video game!?!?

Main theme to the Japanese PlayStation game 'Saiyuki' called 'Magic Goku' is composed & sung by Yukihide Takekawa !! (Same as Monkey Magic)

Goku is Japanese name of the Monkey character (not TV title but Monkey himself)
[If you have any more information about this, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page! My questions: Is this song sung in Japanese? Or is just that he sings "Magic Goku" instead of the words "Monkey Magic"?]

16) Cover version by Burly Chassis

In June 2003, I received this information from The Cueball:
"Dear Monkey fans, Many moons ago before the time of the Monkey re-runs on UK Television came travellers from beyond the land where only ROCK can live ......... they were led by the one know as the Cueball and included GORE, The Beatmaster, The Grandfather and Six-Fingers. Together they called themselves Burly Chassis ..........

Official Burly Chassis web site - www.burlychassis.com

As hardened fans of all things Magic and Monkey they decided to use their talents to promote the name of Monkey throughout the land of Manchester and to sing his name in the only way they knew how..............
http://www.burlychassis.com/music/BurlyChassis-Monkey%20Magic.mp3

If you like this version of the theme tune let us know. If not sorry for taking up your valuable time !

It's only a live recording and not the best quality mind. We are planning to get in the studio at some point so I'll let you know if we get a better version recorded. Just for the record it's one of the most enjoyable tracks we play !!

Best Wishes, The Cueball"

17) Australian remixes on Standard Records Pty Ltd

Here's the information I've received about these:
"This is one that was released in 2002 in Australia on Standard Records Pty Ltd and distributed through SHOCK.

It is called Monkey (I will send you the cover)
It has 3 mixes on it

Monkey Magic
RMR Mix from Heaven
RMR Long march club mix

All tracks: Mickie Yoshino, Standard Music
Produced by: RMR
www.std.com.au
Cat No: STD7009"
[If you have any more information about this, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page! My question: Where can I find a copy of this?]

18) Remixes by Soto (UK)

Soto - Monkey (Botchit Breaks)
Format: 12"
Catalog#: BBV007
Released: 2001
Country: UK
Style: Breakbeat, Breaks
Tracklisting:
A Monkey (6:33)
AA Pigsy (6:23)
[If you have any more information about this, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page! My question: Where can I find a copy of this?]

19) Remixes by DJ Zinc (UK)

DJ Zinc - Monkey (Running)
Format: 12"
Catalog#: RUN 003
Released: ?
Country: UK
Style: Breakbeat
Tracklisting:
A Monkey 7.35
B Monkey (Dub) 5.11
Download it: Monkey Magic - Zinc Remix (A) (10.4MB)
Download it: Monkey Magic - Zinc Remix B (7.1MB)

20) Funny version by 'Tripod' (Australia)

There's a very funny 1.26 version of 'Monkey Magic' recorded in an unknown radio session by the Australian comedy group 'Tripod'.
Download it: Monkey Magic - Tripod (596K)

You'll probably recognise the theme tune to 'The Goodies' in there. Looking at their discography, it doesn't look like it's available on any of their releases.
This is the group's home page:
http://www.3pod.com.au/podhome/

21) Cover version by Snowpony (UK)

There's also a 4.52 cover version of 'Monkey Magic' by the British group Snowpony on their 2003 album 'A Fistful of Seahorses' (Dead Pan Alley Records)
http://www.snowpony.com/
Download it: Monkey Magic - Snowpony (7.4MB)

22) Cover version by 'Full of Harmony' (Japan)

There's a 2004 version on a single called 'Exclusive' (Victor Records) by the Japanese boyband group 'Full of Harmony':

01 Exclusive
02 Monkey Magic
03 Exclusive BL remix
04 Exclusive instrumental

http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/-/Discography/A016064/-.html

Download it: Monkey Magic - Full of Harmony (3.7MB)

23) Cover version by 'Lucky 15'

And there's a cover of 'Monkey Magic' by the group 'Lucky 15' on their 1997 album 'Colour Code White' (Blow Up Records BU0009):

1. medication through resonance
2. terge
3. stereo 1-5
4. monkey magic
5. blue
6. snowflakes in hawaii

http://www.blowup.co.uk/records/artists/lucky15/lucky15.htm

24) Cover version by 'Shox'

There's a 3.21 remix by 'Shox' on the following album (track 2):

DJ Zinc (Presents) - Bingo Beats (BINGOCD01), 2002
01 Jammin' - Kinda Funky
02 Shox - Monkey
03 Naughty - Mentally Ill 2 Kill
04 Jammin' - Point 23
05 Jammin' - Hold On
06 The Henchmen - Funktion
07 Jammin' - Treats
08 Shelltoe - Shelltoe
09 Sovereign - Carman
10 Jammin' - Go DJ
11 Jammin' - Distraction
12 Quest - Overdose
13 Ghost - Express
14 Pascal - Just Swing
15 Naughty - Pussy
16 Darqwan - Come On
17 Wookie - Back Up
18 DJ Zinc - 138 Trek
19 Jammin' - Kinda Funky
20 Tuned Air - Tuned air
21 DJ Zinc - Drifting

Download it: Monkey Magic - Shox (3.1MB)

25) Remix by Kurt Cookson

Here's an email I received on 15 February 2005:
"I have recently done a remix of the Monkey Magic theme tune (well more of a mash up of two songs really). It also contains Martha Wash vocals. If you want to listen then it is on my acidplanet.com profile here:
http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?PID=492714&T=5794"

Note: If you have problems playing this remix, you can download it as a .wma (Windows Media Audio) file by clicking the Download link AFTER you've registered as a user of AcidPlanet.com and logged in:
http://www.acidplanet.com/myplanet/register.asp

Gandhara

The classic end song from Monkey season 1!

1) Splinter

There's a band in Japan called Splinter; it consists of 2 Englishmen who went to Japan at around 1977. In Japan, they've released a single featuring their cover version of Gandhara.
[If you have any more information about this, please contact me using the Monkey Feedback page! My questions: Does anyone have an MP3 of their version of "Gandhara"? Is it still available to buy from somewhere?]

2) Gandhara (by the Spirit of Godiego)

There is another version of Gandhara, with slightly different lyrics. It's performed by Michie Yoshino with the spirit of Godiego. Steve & Mickie are the original members of Godiego.
You'll find it on this CD:
Artist: MICKEY YOSHINO with THE SPIRIT OF GODIEGO
Title: IN THE BOOK OF HEAVEN
Cat. no.: COLUMBIA COCA-12236

MP3 of this version no longer available to download:
g2.mp3 (5.1MB)

3) Japanese version by Godiego

Godiego recorded a Japanese version of this song. This is available on their "Godiego: Great Best Vol 1" CD. For more information, see the Monkey Music - Buying CDs From Japan - Japanese Monkey-Related CDs page.

MP3 of this version no longer available to download:
Godiego-Gandhara_Japanese.mp3 (3.9MB)

4) Cover version by Brillig

There's a cover of 'Gandhara' by the Australian group Brillig on their 2002 album 'Pterodactyls' on Bipolar Records (bi03). The track also appears on their 2002 EP 'Nervous Tissue' on the same label.
http://www.brillig.com.au/sitepages/releases.htm#pterolp

Asiatic Fever

1) Cover version by Australian band Regurgitator

Here's some information Brad Collins sent to me in November 2000:
"So I pull out the single of Everyday Formula, from the amazing Australian band Regurgitator's album Unit. As well as the title track, and a remix of said track, there's this song, Asiatic Fever. Lo and behold, it's attributed to Godiego.

I knew they were fans... it is (or was a couple of years ago) customary for them to play the theme song before live performances.

Not sure if this has been covered before... but if anyone's interested in hearing it, I can probably put together an mp3. Having not heard the original, I'm not sure how similar they are.

Here's some additional information I've received since then:
"Trivia: The lead singer (Thai background)'s mother runs a Vietnamese? restaurant in Brisbane.

It's on the single CD 'Everyday Formula', so incase u know anyone who's a Reguritator fan [like me]

It's a kewl twisted version by the way, starts off with Quan (I think) talking to a few people talking about asiatic fever and asking if it was by Metallica."

Someone called Scott did an MP3 of this cover version of "Asiatic Fever".
Download it: Regurgitator - Asiatic Fever (1.71MB)

Just in case you don't know the song - it's one of the Godiego songs on their "Magic Monkey" CD, which appears every now and then in Monkey episodes.

Thank You Baby

1) Japanese version by Masaaki Sakai

Masaaki Sakai (Monkey himself) recorded a Japanese version of this song, called "Kono Michi No Hatemademo". For full details, see the Monkey Cast - Masaaki Sakai page.

Holy and Bright

1) Japanese version by Godiego

Godiego recorded a Japanese version of this song. This is available on their "Godiego: Great Best Vol 1" CD. For more information, see the Monkey Music - Buying CDs From Japan - Japanese Monkey-Related CDs page.

MP3 of this version no longer available to download:
Godiego-Holy_and_Bright-Japanese.mp3 (3.7MB)

Havoc In Heaven

1) Japanese version by Masaaki Sakai

Masaaki Sakai (Monkey himself) recorded a Japanese version of this song, called "20 Oku Nen No Kurayami". For full details, see the Monkey Cast - Masaaki Sakai page.



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