Music fans from the 1960s are familiar with The Kingsmen’s ballad, “Louie, Louie,” which became a surprise hit upon its release in 1963. But how many know that it was a remake? The original, performed by its composer, Richard Berry, was recorded in 1956 and released in 1957. Poor sound engineering by The Kingsmen’s studio team made the song’s lyrics almost incomprehensible, so we’ll start with Berry’s version, which lacks the guitar solo and driving rock and roll energy, but adds comprehension and at least a try at a fake Jamaican accent, putting the song in its original intended genre.

Here’s the version the rest of us know about. You can always tell if you’re listening to the studio version by listening for the lead singer’s false start on verse three after the guitar solo: “Me see… me see Jamaica moon above…”

On a related note, what the hell song are these kids dancing to?