I have a weird fascination with cover songs. I listen to a lot of them, more than most people, and I think I’m more open than my friends when it comes to messing with a familiar, often beloved song. That said, most of the time, they pale in comparison to the originals. That’s why cover songs are the stuff of shitty garage bands and wedding receptions. But sometimes, there comes a cover that is actually good. And sometimes, sometimes, I like them better than the original. (Gasp!)
What prompted this confession? Well, this week, I heard bluegrass version of Arcade Fire’s “Rebellion (Lies)” over at The AV Club. More often than not, I think the covers from that website’s “AV Undercover” program are pretty lame. No offense to the artists, but they don’t thrill me, whether they pick a song I don’t like to begin with or they just doesn’t do it justice. But this version, by Trampled by Turtles (who I had never heard of before), is unexpectedly awesome. It captures the essence of the original (which, by the way, is one of my all-time, never get sick of this, favorite songs) but it’s different enough that it sounds new and exciting. Check it out. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
Other covers I love? You’ll make fun of me for this, but I really like Alien Ant Farm’s version of “Smooth Criminal.” There’s also José González’s “Heartbeats,” originally done by The Knife, and Cat Power’s “Sea of Love,” originally by Phil Phillips.
Oh, and I love these too:
Franz Ferdinand – “All My Friends” (Cover of LCD Soundsystem)
Florence + the Machine – “Postcards from Italy” (Cover of Beirut)
The Swell Season – “Young Hearts Run Free” (Cover of Candi Staton)
Finally, this one is just for fun. I hate Miley Cyrus, but this cover actually isn’t horrible. I apologize in advance for the fact that you’ll have this song in your head all day. I’m sorry.
Tokyo Police Club – “Party in the USA” (Cover of Miley Cyrus)
Mary the TV Maven 