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 November there were cover releases from Cat Power (Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert), Juliana Hatfield (Sings ELO), Various Artists (Light in the Attic & Friends) and Joecephus and The George Jonestown Massacre (Call Me Animal: A Tribute to the MC5), but otherwise it was a slow month cover-wise. Yet we can once again list ten successful ones.
Enjoy the Silence || Cover: Iron Chic || Original: Depeche Mode
New York punks Iron Chic are back with the new digital single Ancient Pistol (self-released), featuring a heavy version of Depeche Mode’s 1990 synth-pop hit Enjoy The Silence on the virtual flipside. Dark, atmospheric and intense.
Soul Shake || Cover: Michael Des Barres & Kris Rodgers || Original: Delaney & Bonnie & Friends
British musician/actor/radio host Michael Des Barres connected with American rock ‘n’ rollers Kris Rodgers & The Dirty Gems over their “love for Delaney and Bonnie, Soulshake, and music with the vibe of a live band sweating it out in a room together.” You’ll need your dancing shoes for their funky cover (out via Wicked Cool Records).
Oh Yeah || Cover: Ash || Original: The Subways
In 2004 I witnessed an impressive live show by English rock band The Subways, a year before their debut album was due to be released (I must still have MP3s of their demos somewhere, rougher than the final recordings and therefore even better), and I have been fond of them ever since. It’s always nice when two favorite bands cover each other’s songs, and in this case it’s extra special because both Ash and The Subways had a hit entitled Oh Yeah (from 1996 and 2005 respectively), completely different but both very attractive in my book. For a co-headline tour, each other’s Oh Yeah‘s were pressed on a yellow and white in clear vinyl 7″ single – Oh Yeah Squared, strictly limited to 1,000 copies (on Alcopop! Records) – available on last September’s tour (a few copies left here), and since November also via the streaming services. I can only appreciate how those two worlds come together on Oh Yeah (Taken Over) and Oh Yeah (Teenage Years).
Este Es El Fin || Cover: The Pets || Original: The Rolling Stones
The Pets were a beat group from Venezuela who released their only full-length album in the late 1960s. The obscure self-titled LP contained the great garage tune El Entierro de un Hombre Rico que Murió de Hambre, as well as Spanish-language covers of bands like The Doors, Beatles, Paul Revere & The Riders and The Rolling Stones, including this exciting version of Jumpin’ Jack Flash. The record has been bootlegged in the past, but now there’s an official vinyl reissue (on Munster Records), remastered from the original tapes.
West End Girls || Cover: Sleaford Mods || Original: Pet Shop Boys
It seems like a small step from Pets to Pet Shop Boys, but this is a completely different story in terms of sound. English post-punk duo Sleaford Mods remain remarkably close to the original synth-pop of 1985 hit West End Girls, although the vocals immediately give away who we are dealing with here. Profits from the single (out via Rough Trade Records) are being donated to Shelter, a UK campaign for homeless people.
Into the Atlantic || Cover: Mo Troper || Original: Jon Brion
American singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer/composer Jon Brion may not be a household name, but he performed with The Bats, wrote the score for Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and produced music for artists including Aimee Mann, Eels and Kanye West, just to name a few. Portland, Oregon power pop maestro Mo Troper is a massive fan of Brion’s work and he also has made a habit of recording covers, so anyone who can do the math will understand that he recorded an album with eleven Jon Brion covers (out through Lame-O Records ), largely unknown demos from 1991-1995. Read the extensive background story on Bandcamp.
Lonesome Town || Cover: Mr. Husband || Original: Ricky Nelson
Baltimore, Maryland-based singer/guitarist Mr. Husband aka Kenny Tompkins heard perfection in this 65-year-old song (written by Baker Knight, popularized by Ricky Nelson), went into his garage with a 4 track cassette recorder, and this beautiful, sparse version is the result.
Let It Be || Cover: Dolly Parton featuring Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr || Original: The Beatles
We really can’t ignore this. American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton is an iconic legend, who wants to justify her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with her new 4-LP Rockstar (out on Butterfly Records / Big Machine Records). While I prefer its original track I Want You Back (featuring Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler), almost all of the 30(!) tracks are cover versions, often recorded with the original artists. One of the most special and successful renditions is that of Let It Be, together with surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
Now And Then || Cover: Timmy Sean || Original: The Beatles Cover
Speaking of The Beatles, you will have noticed that a recording of Now And Then made by John Lennon – shortly before his murder in 1980 – was completed using AI technology. Californian power pop kid Timmy Sean started working on his own versions (out via Noisewater Records) the day after its release. He chose his own direction, inspired by the Hard Day’s Night soundtrack, but with more cowbell.
Lonely Christmas Call || Cover: Geoff Palmer || Original: George Jones & The Jones Boys
It’s probably an unpopular opinion, but we’re not big fans of all those Christmas songs that appear during this period. But when pop-punk heroes Geoff Palmer (lead & backing vocals, guitars), Zack Sprague (drums) and Ron Harvey & The J-Boyz (bass, backing vocals, guitar) transform a subdued country pop classic from 1962 into a power pop anthem (out via Stardumb Records, together with the nice original tune Cocktails and Candy Canes), we jump with enthusiasm. Happy Holidays!
Check out our Dusted playlist on Spotify for more cool cover songs.