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.
Drowning || Cover: The Sleeveens || Original: Reigning Sound
A favorite newer band covering a favorite older band, that just had to be the opening tune here. Nashville/Dublin-based pub rock outfit The Sleeveens—check out last year’s eponymous debut LP if you missed it—are back with the powerful new single Downtown. The B-side of the vinyl 7″ (out through Goner Records) has a reverent take on the Greg Cartwright-penned song Drowning, taken from Reigning Sound’s 2004 album Too Much Guitar.
Ex Lion Tamer || Cover: Ryan Allen || Original: Wire
Michigan-based songwriter/musician Ryan Allen can’t sit still. Recently we wrote about his 7th solo album Livin’ On A Prayer On The Edge, and about The Cost Of Progress EP with Big Life (both out through Setterwind Records). On his way to the next who knows what, he now drops this cover of Wire’s Ex Lion Tamer (from Pink Flag, 1977), one of his favorite punk songs of all time. It’s unmistakably Ryan Allen (vocals, guitar, percussion, keyboard)—also featuring Sean Gauvreau (bass, backing vocals), Jordan VonZynda (drums, backing vocals), and Dan Nixon (backing vocals)—and therefore terrific.
Party Police || Cover: Royal Dog || Original: Alvvays
We often cite Canadian indie-pop quintet Alvvays as a reference, assuming they’re quite influential, yet they don’t get the cover treatment that often. One of the dreamy tracks from their 2013 self-titled debut album, however, has now been taken on by Chicago-based punks Royal Dog—Anthony Elliott (vocals, guitar), Micki Harris (vocals, guitar), Joey Schuringa (bass), and Castle Trees (drums)—and that’s led to a complete overhaul that comes with a lot of noise.
Bankshot || Cover: The Woodhavens || Original: Operation Ivy
Seattle surf punk outfit The Woodhavens—Mel Anthony (guitars), Jay Hooton (guitars), Lukas Myhan (bass, howls), and Jeffrey Warden (drums)—recently released their debut album, Barkada, which they describe as a salute to diversity, comradery, and strength in the face of adversity. Among the eleven reverb-drenched instrumentals is this cover of Operation Ivy’s 1989 ska tune Bankshot (from 1989 Energy LP), recognizable but different, still a lot of fun.
I’m Afraid of Americans || Cover: The Airport 77s || Original: David Bowie
After John Lennon, Brian Wilson, Pete Townshend, Jagger & Richards, and Ray Davies, it was almost inevitable: Jem Records Celebrates David Bowie. Eleven Add To Wantlist-approved acts like The Grip Weeds, Paul Collins, The On and Ons, The Midnight Callers, The Weeklings, and Nick Piunti honor the British icon with successful power pop-tinged versions of some of his greatest hits. This certainly applies to The Airport 77s, who released their excellent third album, Don’t Let Go, last May.
Texas Sun || Cover: The Heavy Heavy || Original: Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
Khruangbin means “airplane” in Thai, which links this choice to the one above, but that’s beside the point. The unexpected collaboration between the neo-psychedelic trio and soul singer Leon Bridges—both from Texas, Houston, and Dallas, respectively—led to what was arguably the summer hit of 2020. British retro-rock band The Heavy Heavy—Georgie Fuller and Will Turner—recorded a compelling version during their Church Sessions, which now concludes their Live LP (ATO).
Yer Ropes || Cover: The Golden Dregs || Original: Giant Sand
Fire Records is releasing Sandworms, a compilation featuring contemporary acts reinterpreting ten songs by Tucson-based singer-songwriter/musician Howe Gelb and his roots rock group Giant Sand. Jessica Hoop, Lily Konisberg, Water For Your Eyes, Whitney K, Deradoorian, Gently Tender, Holiday Ghosts(!), Ella Raphael, and Monde UFO do a commendable job, but the contribution from British indie band The Golden Dregs stands out for me—also check out their new album, Godspeed (Joy of Life).
I Just Want to Celebrate || Cover: Marshall Crenshaw || Original: Rare Earth
Detroit singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw has compiled fourteen tracks—recorded in his home studio, The Hellhole—from the last two decades on an entertaining compilation, fittingly titled From The Hellhole. Most of the tunes are taken from sold-out Record Store Day vinyl EPs, but we also get this previously unreleased version of Rare Earth’s 1971 funk hit I Just Want to Celebrate.
After Laughter (Comes Tears) || Cover: Night Owls feat. Destani Wolf || Original: Wendy Rene
You’ve seen the Los Angeles-based rhythm section/production team Night Owls—Dan Ubick, Blake Colie, Dave Wilder, and Roger Rivas—in these columns before, so you know the recipe: soul classics reimagined in a Jamaican style, each time with a different guest vocalist. Their first compilation LP, Versions, made a lot of spins on my turntable in the summer of 2022; three years later, here’s Versions II (F-Spot Records). It’s a compilation of the latest seven 45s, so no surprises here, but we simply can’t ignore it.
If It Makes You Happy || Cover: Skegss || Original: Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow’s 1996 single If It Makes You Happy could use some spice and grit, something you can leave to Australian garage rockers Skegss to add—a solid contribution to triple j’s Like A Version feature.
Also worth mentioning:
Aurora (The Cat’s Miaow) by The Interpretation Cultures [from Shatter single]
Beautiful Strangers (Kevin Morby) by Mavis Staples [from upcoming Sad And Beautiful World LP]
Burning Up (Madonna) by The Sugar Beats [from their self-titled LP]
Gretel (Alex G) by HRTBRKR
Hold On, I’m Coming (Sam & Dave) by GA-20
If You Want Me to Stay (Sly & The Family Stone) by The Brooks
The Letter (The Box Tops) by Alley Girl [from Paradigm Scrambler EP]
Lose My Breath (My Bloody Valentine) by Shabason, Krgovich, Tenniscoats [from Wao LP]
Velocity Girl (Primal Scream) by Zulo [from Love Bombing LP]
Check out our Dusted playlist on Spotify for more worthy cover songs.
Thank you for this regular feature as it really helps me with my occasional all-covers episode of The Ledge!