Much like a timeless song, a good show about vampires can bridge the generation gap, uniting parents and children within the entertainment crucible of terror/titillation. HBO’s True Blood is one of those shows, and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is one of those songs. Though written for Nina Simone, the track became an early garage-rock hit for the Animals in 1965 and their version remains a stone cold classic in the pantheon of musical badassery, due in no small part to the mighty roar of Eric Burdon. The man himself returns for a new rendition of “Misunderstood” featuring Jenny Lewis (late of Rilo Kiley, currently slummin’ with the Postal Service). Their duet feels a bit superfluous compared to the previously released Iggy Pop and Bethany Cosentino team-up “Let’s Boot and Rally,” but it’s worth a spin nonetheless.
True Blood: Music from the HBO Original Series Volume 4 is out May 28 via ATO Records and also features appearances from Warpaint, the Flaming Lips, Deap Valley, Los Lobos, and more.