There have been many great cover versions of “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins’ original seasonal classic “I Put a Spell on You” over the years. Nina Simone, CCR, and Marilyn Manson all come to mind, but as is often the case, there’s nothing quite like the OG version, as this positively batshit performance from 1956 aptly demonstrates. Indeed, the late great Mr. Hawkins convincingly and theatrically belts out this tune with a distinctly captivating old-time-religion fervor that is equally bizarre and impressive to behold. Complete with skulls, tribal attire, and some good old-fashioned gibberish, all delivered with a spellbinding (pardon the pun) brand of campy intensity, if this performance doesn’t get you into the spirit of the season, we probably can’t help you out. Dig it:
