Cover Me: The song remains the same…

I really enjoy cover songs. The beauty of the cover is centered around one artist recognizing the greatness of another, and paying tribute to that with their rendition. If I were a musician I couldn’t think of a greater compliment.

Cover songs offer a unique perspective and sometimes a complete re-imagining of a song. Below is a list of cover songs that I feel are beautiful and unique interpretations of their originals, and are a must have for any music collection.

Heaven (Brandi Carlile – XOBC EP - 2010)

This power ballad was originally released by Bryan Adams in 1984 and holds about as much amorousness as a mid-80’s high school dance with couples locked in a “cling and sway”, along with the subsequent groping that occurred in the backseat of a car afterwards. Brandi’s version revitalizes this song and makes it relevant. Her interpretation evokes the image of two lovers who realize they have truly found their other and have given themselves wholeheartedly with complete abandonment. With her beautiful pattern picking and subdued voice she makes this song her own.

Sea of Love (Cat Power – The Covers Record - 2000)

This song was originally released by Phil Phillips in 1959 and notably covered by The Honeydrippers in 1984. Both versions garnered acclaim on the billboard charts and along with most of the other covers maintains a strong late-50’s vibe and feel. Cat Power transforms this song into something modern, fresh and new. When listening you get a picture of young love and the feeling, both wonderful and sickening at the same time, that comes with the realization you have completely fallen in love with someone. The tone entirely portrays the vulnerability of being hopelessly in love. It’s a perfect mixture of passion and pain.

Jolene (The White Stripes – Live Under Great White Northern Lights - 2010)

This song was originally released by Dolly Parton in 1974 and is undoubtedly considered by many as one of her best. It speaks of the desperation of a plain housewife confronting the beautiful vixen that is attempting to seduce her husband. To hear her beg, “please don’t take my man” breaks your heart. Jack White takes this song and definitely adds a unique flavor and perspective. The powerful, wailing vocals are accompanied with the rising sound of Meg’s drumming and Jack’s heavy metal distortion that peaks at a complete fever pitch. Once you hear it you will realize why Jack White is a musical genius.

Wild Horses (The Sundays – Blind - 1992)

This song was originally released by The Rolling Stones in 1971 and is definitely one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. It is one of my absolute favorite Stones’ songs. Although it may be considered musical blasphemy, The Sundays version is better than the original. When listening you truly imagine someone who has found the one they love and are not going to let go. It’s hauntingly beautiful, and coming from The Sundays, believable.

Ocean Breathes Salty (Sun Kil Moon- Tiny Cities - 2005)

This song was originally released in 2005 by indie rock icons, Modest Mouse. The folk rock group Sun Kil Moon released this cover the same year. Although it uses the same lyrics, it is a completely different song. The dichotomy between the two is unparalleled. It is a testimony to the effect that rhythm, tone, tempo and inflection can have on a song. The Modest Mouse version has an upbeat and positive feel while the Sun Kil Moon version is marked with hopeless resignation. Although it’s sad, it’s still a terrific song.

Coming Up Roses: A very brief primer on Elliott Smith

I recently purchased Elliott Smith’s “from a basement on the hill” on vinyl from Amoeba records. For those of you not familiar with Elliott Smith, this was his last album, finished by friends and released posthumously in 2004. To say this is a treasure may seem pretentious and is probably lost to those with little or no knowledge of Smith’s work, however to the fan this is completely understood. My sentiment partially stems from the fact this was his final album and there will be nothing new from this musical genius (although some rarities and previous unreleased songs were put out in 2007’s “New Moon”).

His lyrics are a mixture of passion, pain, heartache, loss, and Johnny Walker (red), inspired by Kiwi Maddog 20/20 and accompanied with raw but beautiful chord transitions. His body of work is a cautionary tale to those who feel things a little too deeply…

If you are not familiar with Smith’s work take some time to listen and you just might hear him. Go into oblivion with his 1994 debut album “Roman Candle” to his 2004 swan song “from a basement on the hill” and everything in between.

Below is a playlist of exceptional songs to help you become familiar and hopefully a fan:

Between the Bars (Either/Or)
Say Yes (Either/Or)
Angeles (Either/Or)
Angel In the Snow (New Moon)
Miss Misery [early version] (New Moon)
Needle In the Hay (Elliott Smith)
Alphabet Town (Elliott Smith)
Somebody That I Used To Know (Figure 8)
Waltz, No. 2 (XO)
Twilight (from a basement on the hill)
Kiwi Maddog 20/20 (Roman Candle)

Final Thought:

Listening to Elliott on vinyl only enhances the experience. There is something quite beautiful listening to him through the light hiss and crackle of the needle against the record.