Growing up, I had access to a sizable library of rock-and-roll literature, thanks to my music-collector dad. I’m pretty certain that’s how I came to know of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and the controversy surrounding his most famous song, “I Put A Spell On You.”

With its primal-sounding grunts and groans, recorded during a drunken studio session that Hawkins later couldn’t recall, “I Put A Spell On You” garnered a lot of attention when it was released in 1956. No one had heard anything like it before. Some radio stations and shop owners weren’t charmed by Hawkins’ “Spell,” refusing to play or sell the song. Many complained of its overt sexuality, while others felt it celebrated the occult, or even cannibalism (?!).

Indeed, “I Put A Spell On You” sounded different and dangerous, just like good rock-and-roll should. And with a little advice from DJ Alan Freed, Hawkins adopted a stage personality to match, beginning performances by emerging from a coffin onstage and surrounding himself with voodoo-inspired props, like a smoking skull on a stick. This ‘shock rocker’ persona served the former Jalacy Hawkins well, touring on the strength of “I Put A Spell On You” (which never even cracked the Billboard Hot 100) until his death in early 2000.

“I Put A Spell On You” has been covered many times since Hawkins’ first 1956 recording, but two takes rise to the top for me: Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1968 take (included on the band’s debut) and Bryan Ferry, who took Hawkins’ original for a ride on his 1993 covers album, Taxi. But just this past week, “I Put A Spell On You” emerged in two new forms, meriting today’s mention.

The first, an all-star effort organized by The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan to benefit Haiti earthquake relief, is sort of the “We Are The Bizarro World,” featuring MacGowan, Johnny Depp, Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders), Nick Cave, Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream), Mick Jones (The Clash), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Paloma Faith, Eliza Doolittle, and Laura White. It’s a curious choice of song for a charity single and an odd bunch to boot, but their aim is true; sales benefit the Dublin based Concern Worldwide, who’ve been working in Haiti for 16 years.

Though the devastation in the country has all but disappeared from television news (and therefore, much of the world’s consciousness), the earthquake’s aftermath remains very very real for the Haitian people. So besides the good-feeling vibes that come from purchasing MacGowan & Friends’ “I Put A Spell On You,” they’ve turned out a damn decent cover worth adding to your collection. Hear here:

Purchase Shane MacGowan & Friends – “I Put A Spell On You” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.

Released this past Tuesday, “I Put A Spell On You” is also the first single from guitar legend Jeff Beck‘s upcoming album, Emotion & Commotion. Out April 13, the new covers collection bridges the worlds of rock, classical, film, and opera.

“I Put A Spell On You” features vocals from Joss Stone, whose gritty soulful stylings continue to belie her 22 years on the earth. Good stuff. Hear here:

Purchase Jeff Beck featuring Joss Stone – “I Put A Spell On You” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.