18 June 2013 - Paul Young - Everytime You Go Away

When this song came out in 1985, many people thought it was an original.  Paul Young so masterfully made this song sound like a British pop ballad.  But the song was written by Daryl Hall, and originally appeared on the 1980 Hall & Oates album Voices.  The original was never released as a single, but Paul Young magically transformed this Philly blue-eyed soul into a lovely pop song.  The guy could belt out a ballad.  Young's version, while clearly a ballad, is a little faster-paced than the original, which really was a soulful take.

Now, Spin Magazine wasn't a big fan of Paul Young, saying that he "doles out bland versions of even blander songs" and calling this song "warmly moving fuck music."  Which just tells me that you can't please everyone.

17 June 2013 - Hellsongs - Run to the Hills

I kind of got it in my head this morning to find an Iron Maiden cover. And find one I most certainly did. Hellsongs is a Swedish indie folk pop band that plays metal covers -- which may be one of the coolest ideas ever. So raise up the horns and chill out with a glass of Merlot to this calming Maiden cover.

14 June 2013 - LeAnn Rimes - Swingin

I've been meaning to post this John Anderson cover off of LeAnn Rimes' stellar Lady & Gentlemen album for some time. But you know, things come up and I didn't really have much of a hook (I still don't exactly have one, but that's never stopped me before now, right?). Anyway, LeAnn (whose voice has never sounded better) has a fantastic new classic country album out called Spitfire. It's a fine mix of songs that she wrote, collaborated on and covered. I highly suggest picking it up as it's already one of my favorites of the year.

13 June 2013 - Mates of State - I Am A Scientist

This Guided by Voices cover was commissioned for the compilation album Science Fair, a benefit to support girls studying science and engineering.  This is something about which I'm somewhat passionate, being the father of two daughters.  I strongly encourage them to be whatever they want, and both have shown significant interest in science, which makes me very happy.

The cover itself is strong and a sharp rereading of the original.  Being one of my favorite GBV songs, it had the great potential to disappoint, and it didn't. They replace the jangly guitar with bass, but it works. The video is even better!  Look at the girl, actually being curious, naturally, about science and discovery, even in the face of ridicule!



If you are interested in learning more about Science Fair, or about Girls Inc., the charity it benefits, please visit their websites.

12 June 2013 - David Gahan - Love Will Tear Us Apart

I was actually looking for a Depeche Mode cover when I stumbled upon this live footage of their charismatic frontman singing a Joy Division classic. Eh, close enough.

11 June 2013 - Hot Chelle Rae - Teenage Dream

I wanted so desperately to hate this. I mean, it's Hot Chelle Rae!

But it is a sparse cover, in the right ways.  It translates well to an acoustic performance.   And it's reverently performed by a bunch of guys who clearly wish they wrote this song.



They have done electric, arena-ready versions of this song as well.  Again, they do it with reverence - they know the song is bigger than they are, and they accept that.  Even this cover stays sparse.

10 June 2013 - Bat For Lashes - Lullaby

It took me five hours to find a video to post today. It's safe to say that we can blame the unintentional beerathon I "ran" yesterday for this. Totally worth it though. Anyway, check out this a chilling Cure cover by Bat For Lashes while I continue to clear the cobwebs in my empty head.