artists under cover

Cover band?  No thanks.  Cover songs?  Sure.

I don’t really get cover bands.  If a band and its members are still alive, together and performing, why would anyone pay to see a cover band?  I suppose it’s cheaper but beyond that…?

So I’m not a big fan of cover bands but I DO enjoy a good cover song.  Perhaps this seems hypocritical or paradoxical.  After all, wouldn’t someone covering a song more or less make them a cover artist?  NO!

Covering just one song is better than a full-fledged cover band because it still allows room for creativity and reinvention.  Also, there are plenty of established artists who choose to cover or rework an already popular song.  This is what I enjoy most.  There isn’t too much to be said, so instead I urge you to enjoy the following:

“No One’s Gonna Love You”

Despite the title’s suggestion, this song is actually quite sweet and romantic.  Originally by Band of Horses, it was masterfully covered by Cee Lo Green.  It was then remixed by Paul Epworth into what I think is an excellent example of how a cover song can be refreshing and re-inventive.  The accompanying music video is extremely well done, too.  See the Paul Epworth mix of Cee Lo’s cover.

(Warning: video has some adult content)

“Crazy”

Cee Lo strikes again!  Gnarls Barkley’s hit single “Crazy” was one of 2006′s biggest hits.  Incredibly catchy and filled with Cee Lo soul, it’s easy to like and fun to sing along with.  Enter Ray Lamontagne to change the pace and feel of the song.  His raspy voice and stripped instrumentation give the song a more haunting and less fun feeling.  Good cover!  “Crazy” by Ray Lamontagne.

“We Didn’t Start the Fire”

This isn’t a straight cover but an updated version of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.“  British musician King Charles covered and updated the song to relate to a newer generation.  Best line: “Rolling Stones still play / We all know Tom Cruise is…” Enjoy:  “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by King Charles.

“Born This Way”

I hate to do it, I really do.  I’m hesitant to show any love for Lady Gaga here.  However, I’d like to think of these covers as an alternative to Gaga; it makes me feel better.  My ears have been abused with the nonstop playing of “Born This Way” on the radio.  I wasn’t too fond of the song but after giving it an honest listen I thought the song writing was actually pretty good.  I looked to see if there were any decent covers that could possibly shed some new light on the song.  I give you Ulrik Munther.  I think he’s Swedish.  It’s a pretty good cover.  Here’s another take by Aston with a classical arrangement of the song.  So what’s the verdict?  Lady Gaga is a great songwriter, I’ll admit it.

BUT- if it’s up to me, she’d stay out of the egg, off the red carpet and off the stage. Keep writing but stop being so crazy.  Thanks.

“Against All Odds”

Phil Collins oh yeah!  Classic song.  Another great example of a already stellar song that is reinvented.  The Postal Service switched it up a bit, made it a little edgier and definitely more electronic.  “Against All Odds” by the Postal Service, which leads us to…

“Such Great Heights”

The Postal Service’s most well known song, “Such Great Heights” has been used in commercials, promotions and movies.  Chances are, even if you’re not too familiar, you’ve probably heard it at some point.  This song seems to be hard to cover due to the electronics, but Iron & Wine knocked it out the park when they covered it.  Sam Beam’s take on the song completely changes the direction of the song.  Good stuff.  Bonus:  Iron & Wine’s cover of “Love Vigilantes,” originally by New Order.

“Creep”

Radiohead’s hit “Creep” is delightfully covered by Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls on her aptly titled album “Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on Her Magical Ukulele.”  Hear it / see it here.

I leave you with Watsky.  No covers here, only excellence.  George Watsky has been getting attention recently thanks to a viral hit called “Pale Kid Raps Fast.”  He’s been around for a while, first gaining notoriety for his appearance on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry.  Watsky has an extremely quick delivery and witty style.  His writing is excellent.  Check out the word play in “Waking Hour” by Watsky & Procrastination from the mixtape “Guilty Pleasures.”  The mixtape is free so pick it up and check out his other stuff!

“If my baby’s gay I’ll say ‘You go gay baby work that crib!’” That’s good stuff right there.

Til next time,

Colin

old favorites

“This is not a Michael Jackson album,” states Rolling Stone’s review of the first posthumous Jackson release, ‘Michael.’  Regardless of all outtakes, hidden tracks, archives and lost tapes that are sure to be released, I doubt we’ll ever see a real Michael Jackson album again.  He was far too original.  No matter the technology, no one can reproduce his talent to his standards.  I’m not usually one for covers or tributes, but these two are worth checking out:

The most intense cello duel I’ve seen in a while (who am I kidding? I’ve never seen a cello duel). SMOOTH CRIMINAL.  This is inspired music.  The second is a video I’ve already posted- a great melody of Jackson classics performed by Sam Tsui (don’t let your eyes fool you, it’s one guy).  Check them out!

What else is new?  I’ll tell you what/who is not new.  Edie Brickell.  Until about four days ago, that name didn’t mean much to me; that is, until I saw this song performed live.  It wasn’t played start to finish, it was mixed in with another song.  Naturally, I thought the artist was covering a popular song from my childhood (I was actually -2 years old when the song was released) but it turns out I was listening to/watching the real deal. Edie Brickell.  Oh yeah.  What’s more surprising, is that I had no idea what I was seeing because she was opening for Iron & Wine.  Her set was actually really good.  If you had played me the two songs I’ve given you before I saw the show, I would’ve chuckled with 90s nostalgia.  However, not knowing who/what I was listening to, I actually enjoyed it.  Her new music is pretty good.  I suggest you give it a listen.  I was drawn to a song called, “It Takes Love.”  Check it out.  Side note- she’s married to Paul Simon and has three kids.  In other words: there is a God and he/she loves music.

Iron & Wine was excellent.  The new album is rather different than their others. ‘Kiss Each Other Clean‘ exchanges the hushed whisper Iron & Wine creator Sam Beam is known for, in favor of electric and more involved instrumentation.  The result is a departure from previous Iron & Wine efforts, but a welcome challenge for Beam and refreshing for listeners.  Different sounds fail to deter from Beam’s strength as a song writer.  I like it.  Check it out and decide for yourself.

The show was fantastic.  Beam opened with this little gem, “I hope you’re ready to get fucking mellow.”  The night started off quiet then steadily grew into the new album by welcoming a brass section on stage.  Good stuff.  Even better?  The encore.  One song.  One awesomely quiet, beautiful, eight-minute masterpiece. The Trapeze Swinger.

I tend to gush.  Check out the NYT review for another look at the show.  I agree with parts.

I also had the privilege of seeing the Decemberists this past weekend.  Another wonderful show.  They played a healthy portion of ‘The King is Dead,’ along with the fan favorites.  Front man Colin Meloy also managed to jokingly apologize for “ruining indie rock,” amongst much laughter.  Good show.

Again, I was quite impressed with the opener.  It’s always a pleasure to get a good opening act at a show.  Baltimore based Wye Oak opened for the Decembersits.  Just two people, they managed to put on a pretty good set.  The song title is a little morbid, but here’s a catchier tune they played.  “I Hope You Die.“

Until next time

-Colin

2011

Indeed, This Is the New Year!

Welcome, 2011, I’ve got a good feeling about you.

It’s been a long long while since I’ve done any work here.  To my faithful readership, all two of you, I apologize.  However, it’s a new year and I think it’s time we get together again.  You with me?  I hope so.  I’m going to keep this one brief.  But I’m also going to make this one full of sweet tasty links to entertain you all myself until next time.

Remember 2009?  Everyone flipped their lids when they were introduced to the song “Sweet Disposition” via the trailer for “500 Days of Summer.”  Remember that?  Of course you do.  Remember a few months later when Rhapsody, Diet Coke and Chrysler destroyed any positive association you had with the song by playing it in too many commercials?  Probably.  Unfortunately, these companies have taken a catchy, upbeat and enjoyable song and made a monster of it.  Fortunately, we’re all open to new music, right?  Right.  A friend of mine introduced me to this remix by “Axwell & Dirty South.”  I’m not completely into it, but I like what they did with it.  Lyrically, they only used a small portion of the song but it works well.  (I encourage everyone to hear the whole thing, but go to 3:30 if you’re looking for the real tasty bits)

So, if you love “Sweet Disposition” but are unhappy with the way it was abused, listen to this mix and call it new.  Not that it really matters, we all know Hall & Oates stole the show in “500 Days of Summer” with THIS SCENE

Since we’re on the topic of things remixed, how about some sweet samples?  Let’s do it.  Once again, on the recommend of a friend, I was instructed to grab Wiz Khalifa’s “Kush and OJ” mixtape.  Good call.  It’s great.  A Pittsburgh native, Khalifa dropped “Black and Yellow” back in July in hopes it would become ubiquitous with the Steelers; now in the Super Bowl, it’s practically their anthem.  All of this is good.  But I’m pumped about Khalifa sampling “Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun.  His version, “The Thrill” was released in ’09, but I’ve only recently discovered it and I like the genre-bending sound.  (Sorry for the DJ audio drops)

A few more things I’d like to leave you with but don’t have much to say about.

-Practice “Movin’ Like Bernie” because it’s sweeping the nation and you’ll look cool doing it.

-Yes, that is a song/dance inspired by Weekend at Bernie’s.  Believe it.

-I’m not really big on dub-step, but this song gives me a pleasant feeling of nostalgia.  It brings me back to a time when adults chuckled as I sang Bloodhound Gang songs completely unaware of how disgustingly inappropriate the songs were for a child my age.  I proudly present- The Bad Touch.

-Check out Peter Bradley Adams’ “Gather Up.”  The whole album is really good, especially “Chant” and “Teresa” but the title track has recently caught my attention.  It’s haunting.  It’s beautiful.

That is all.  Welcome back.  Sorry for the absence.  I’ll write more often.  Call it a new year’s resolution.  Call it a goal.  Call it a promise.  Call it 2011.  It’s here and I’m ready to rock.

Yours truly,

Colin