Not all new music is really new, as many artists cover songs. Sometimes these are songs by their favorite artists, eg as a tribute to such a musical hero for a special reason, or they simply feel that a song deserves to be dusted and polished to reacquaint fans with great songs from the past. Other times, bands cover songs as a parody. Regardless of intent, some of those cover versions are so good or so much fun, we’d like to put a spotlight on them. Chosen from a wide range, here are – in random order – ten of our favorite covers from last month – links to the pages where you can add them to your wantlist included.
In June we heard some covers on the soundtrack of Baz Lurhmann’s biopic film ELVIS, The Routes’ did a surf rock Kraftwerk tribute, Elvis Costello celebrated Paul McCartney’s 80th birthday, a project of Disclotch Records contained 27 home recordings to pay homage to Daniel Johnston, and previously we wrote about releases from Thee Escapees, Mikey Erg, Reverendo Band, Runaway Lovers and Townies with some successful cover versions. Below we list the 10 best that we haven’t mentioned yet.
Hound Dog || Cover: The Record Company || Original: Big Mama Thornton
The iconic rock ‘n’ roll track Hound Dog was written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, first released by blues singer Big Mama Thornton (1953), and made famous by Elvis Presley (1956). The ELVIS soundtrack features an honorable cover by Shonka Dukureh, but as a fan of American roots rock band The Record Company, it’s their version that you see here (not related to the movie). It’s not a Thornton or Presley imitation: as always The Record Company gives it its own twist. In case you don’t know: they previously worked on Beastie Boys’ So What’Cha Want, still one of my favorite covers ever.
La Decima Vittima || Cover: Lisa Beat E I Bugiardi || Original: The Minivip
After a successful self-titled debut EP in 2020, Lisa Beat and her Liars are back with three new uplifting 60s-styled beat songs in Italian, again two originals and a cover. Title track La Decima Vittima (translated: The 10th Victim) is a swinging instrumental cover of The Minivip’s Miss Augusta – cinematic, danceable and irresistible. Out digitally and on vinyl 7″ through Area Pirata.
Come Back || Cover: Jesse Bryson || Original: Fotomaker
The excellent cover singles series from Big Stir Records is complemented by Jesse Bryson’s take on Fotomaker’s power pop track Come Back (1978), written by Jesse’s father Wally Bryson. Jesse, singer / guitarist for The Robin Electric, is backed here by a band which also includes Fotomaker alumni Frankie Vinci and Lex Marchesi. The inclusion of the original Vis-à-Vis LP on the cover photo completes the circle.
Fisherman’s Blues || Cover: Jason McNiff || Original: The Waterboys
On his new (8th) full-length album Tonight We Ride, London-based songwriter / guitarist Jason McNiff performs acoustic folk versions of songs by Leonard Cohen, Dire Straits, Townes Van Zandt, Bert Jansch, Tom Russell and other artists that have inspired him. One of the highlights is The Waterboys’ Fisherman’s Blues (1988), endorsed by Mike Scott, who wrote and produced the original.
All I Really Want to Do || Cover: Hackensaw Boys || Original: Bob Dylan
American roots collective Hackensaw Boys is known for it energetic live shows (been there, it’s really great), in which they play bluegrass, country-blues and traditionals with the eagerness of a punk band. I am very positively surprised by their new, self-titled album (out digitally and on CD through Free Dirt): the songs are stronger than ever, so pure and heartfelt that they make a big impression. A successful cover of All I Really Want to Do, from Another Side Of Bob Dylan (1964), fits seamlessly between the originals.
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) || Cover: Bangs & Talbot || Original: Marvin Gaye
DJ / composer / producer Chris Bangs (who coined the term ‘acid jazz’) and singer-songwriter / keyboardist / composer / producer Mick Talbot (founding member of The Style Council) put out their organ-driven album Back To Business, featuring 12 instrumental groovers – 44 minutes of infectious fun for Ramsey Lewis fans (out digitally, on CD and vinyl LP through Acid Jazz Records, who else). Their cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1964 Motown classic How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) is very nice, but their original songs can compete with this.
My Heart is a Drummer || Cover: Martha || Original: Allo Darlin’
The B-side of Please Don’t Take Me Back, the new single from UK indie pop quartet Martha, features a cover of one of Allo Darlin‘s most popular songs. The summery no worries original is converted into an intense and urgent rock banger. Out digitally and on vinyl 7″ through Specialist Subject Records and Green Noise Records.
X-Offender || Cover: Solitary Friends || Original: Blondie
Los Angeles-based indie pop / garage psych trio Solitary Friends, lead by songwriter Ken LaMere (guitar, bass, vocals, keys) and featuring lead vocalist Michelle McGregor and drummer Nick Liberatore, released their fun and energetic full-length album Sum Of More (out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP via Bandcamp). The closing track is a fine rendition of X-Offender, the opening song of Blondie’s self-titled debut LP (1977).
Float On || Cover: Community Swimming Pool || original: Modest Mouse
Gold Mold Records and Heavenly Creature Records teamed up for Whenever You See Fit, a collection of 20 Modest Mouse covers to raise money for SFAD (Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs). On the tribute to the American indie rock band, you can hear Glasgow dream pop band Community Swimming Pool picking up Modest Mouse’s biggest hit, but also Soft Idiot, Kid Chameleon, Fleeces and many more indie names. Out digitally and on cassette.
I’m Afraid Of Americans || Cover: The Soviet Machines || Original: David Bowie
After their self-titled debut album in January 2021, American rock band The Soviet Machines will return this year with a number of new singles. They kick off with a dark, shoegaze-esque David Bowie cover, produced by original Social Distortion drummer Derek O’Brien. The track is streaming-only, via DC-Jam Records.
Check out our Dusted playlist on Spotify for more cool cover songs.
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