10 January 2014 - Christina Perri - Hand in My Pocket

The follow-up to Christina Perri's breathtaking lovestrong album comes out in March. I can't wait to drown in her gorgeously expressive voice all over again. I heard Head or Heart's first single Human on the radio last week in my truck and I ended up sitting in my driveway, in the cold, until the song was over. The video was released a few days ago and it's stunning. But you'll have to go somewhere else to see that video because, well, it's not a cover. This video of Christina playing a solo acoustic version of Alanis Morissette's Hand in My Pocket will have to suffice.

9 January 2014 - Relient K - Motorcycle Drive By

Relient K tend to be a little irreverent, even in their Christianity.  So when they do such a reverential, lovely cover of a Third Eye Blind song, it's a little surprising.  This cover, which they pull out in their live shows, is surprisingly faithful, and not-so-surprisingly well done. 

8 January 2014 - The Lumineers - American Music

Here's Americana darlings The Lumineers playing American Music by the one and only Violent Femmes. As expected, the performance spirals into a big ol' freaking party. Just the way I like it.

7 January 2014 - Marina and the Diamonds - Boyfriend

It took me a long time to figure out what cover to post today.

And then I stumbled upon Marina Diamandis singing a Justin Bieber song.  Sure, it's a lot bigger when she sings it, and a much more emotional song..... but it's Bieber, no doubt.

Thank you, Marina and the Diamonds, for such a gift in this new year.

6 January 2014 - Jason Isbell and Dawes - Cortez The Killer

Jason Isbell was in my Top 10 Country Albums of 2013. Dawes SHOULD have been in my Best of 2013 - 10 Indie/Alternative Albums That I Liked List (let's say they came in at 10b). It got me thinking...I bet Jason and Dawes would sound really good together...maybe doing a Neil Young cover. Well what do we have here? Enjoy!

2 January 2014 - Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton & Cee-Lo Green - Crazy

To open 2014, let's look at a live collaboration by the four judges of The Voice.  Because it makes complete sense that four musicians working together on a TV show would collaborate at least sometimes! (We are told that Adam Levine is here somewhere, too, but he doesn't seem to be a vocalist on this song)

As part of Gnarls Barkley (along with Danger Mouse), Cee-Lo Green originated this song.  However, it's really Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera that take the lead in this version, recorded live in 2012. And there's no Danger Mouse to be found.   Cee-Lo does, at times, show off his guitar skills, which impressed me.   Enjoy!

31 December 2013 - HAIM & Lorde - Strong Enough

For a 2013 VH1 Special, HAIM did a cover of Sheryl Crow's "Strong Enough".  At about the 1:30 mark, their "good friend" Lorde and a gigantic jacket join them for the song. 

Try to get past Lorde's gigantic coat for a minute and listen to the harmonies between her and the ladies of HAIM.  It's absolutely astounding how well they work together, and I think more collaborations are necessary.