Today on theFiver, we’re starting what I hope will catch on as a tradition: Guest writers. And to kick this off is my good friend, Kate Stabile, who is showing off some good musical taste with:
Top 5 Unexpected (But Not Unwelcome) Cover Tunes
Every now and then comes an artist and cover song combination that just makes you go, “Huh?” Some are bold new interpretations, some are just plain fun, but all of them inexplicably work. Here are five examples that spring to my mind, in no particular order…
“Mad World,” Gary Jules/Michael Andrews
This is one of my favorite covers of all time. The original has a more frenetic quality, while the cover brings out a melancholy tone, both of which can be suggested by the lyrics. It’s especially interesting to listen to both this and the Tears for Fears original in sequence to hear the different interpretations.
“I Will Survive,” Cake
An emotional song of post-breakup empowerment and the laconic, deadpan style of Cake may seem to make strange bedfellows, so to speak, but I think that juxtaposition of styles is a big part of what makes this cover work. And besides, we all know that what the Gloria Gaynor tune was missing was that horn solo.
“Careless Whisper,” Seether
I just love the mental image of Shaun Morgan listening to the original Wham! version and saying, “Yeah! This is something my band should cover.” When I first heard that this particular song was to be covered by Seether, I think my face might have resembled Shrek and Donkey’s after they were welcomed to Dulac by a group of singing puppets. It may be a bizarre choice, but it … it just rocks. And that’s good enough for me.
“Land of Confusion,” Disturbed
Speaking of singing puppets… Genesis originally released Land of Confusion in the midst of the fear and uncertainty of the Cold War 80s, accompanied by a bitingly satirical video featuring puppets of the band and leading political and cultural figures of the day. Disturbed chose another time of fear and uncertainty to release the cover. Once the initial surprise is overcome, it actually can be seen as a rather appropriate choice, as well as a reasonably faithful version.
(Note: An honorable mention also goes out to Disturbed for their cover of Tears for Fears’ Shout. It’s the inclusion of the line “ice ice baby” by a hard rock band performing an 80s classic that really pushes it over the edge.)
“Hurt,” Johnny Cash
A music legend performing a heartbreaking version of a Trent Reznor-penned tune. Brilliant. ‘Nuff said.
What are your Top 5 unusual but superfantismonic covers?
Look I’m commenting on my own post… :) What occurred to me this morning as I re-read this is that the video for the Mad World cover is also really visually interesting. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4 if anyone wants to check it out.) Thanks, John, you’re the best… I always enjoy reading your posts here, so it was fun to write one.
Look, I’m commenting on my own blog! Is that bad taste? Too bad … My own Top 5 would include: “Seasons In The Sun,” Nirvana; “My Way,” Sex Pistols; “Superstar,” Sonic Youth, “About Her,” Malcom Mclaren; “I Want A New Drug,” Glen Phillips.
I’d throw M. Ward’s version of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” in there as well. Bowie’s not in space, he’s…swinging on the front porch, or something. Definitely unexpected, but not played for laughs – it’s just kind of a sweet love song in that setting.
And while we’re on the subject of mellow, acoustic covers of upbeat songs, there’s always Iron and Wine doing the Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights.” Good tune, regardless of one’s opinion on Zach Braff (personally, I’m ‘for.’)
Kate, I would definitely had thrown in Poison’s cover of “Sexy Back”
Hi there,
Where are you from? Is it a secret? :)