Cover songs

For me 2008 has been a year of covers. Previously I have not really been a fan of covers but this year I have been listening to and enjoying several albums featuring nothing but cover songs. I have not gone out of my way to find these albums, they seem to be finding me.

First up it The Dynamics whose album "Version Excursion" I accidentally stole from my brother at Christmas. They include covers of the likes of Madonna, Curtis Mayfield and The Whitestripes.

The next one sort of suprised me, when I think reggae Sinead O'Connor does not come to mind but put her with Sly and Robbie and you have an awesome album "Throw Down Your Arms". Still doubting me? Then check out this clip



Just to prove that reggae artists can also do a cover Soul From Jamdown give us "Darker Than Blue" which covers a bunch of old funk and soul songs in a reggae style.

Next up lets cover some pop songs. Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra "Hits the Hits" makes Britney listenable. Shawns old funk styles and the feel good sound of pop music mesh to make a wonderful album.

I recently realised that maybe this blog has more readers than I know about. That thought almost inspires me to make more posts. So give me some encouragement and tell me your favourite cover song in the comments. My all time favourite is Rage Against the Machine's cover of Eric B & Rakim's "Microphone Fiend". A great song and a great cover.

Beirut Hijack

Two weeks ago I finally went to see Beirut. I say finally because it had been over three months since buying tickets. The gig itself sold out a couple of days before hand so there was a good size crowd. It was the first gig I have been to at the Manning Bar and I was impressed with the venue lots of space, tiered levels (so the shortys can see) and good sound. There was not much of a support act so we sat outside and laughed at the hipsters, there were girls wearing hats like they were going to the Randwick races and guys in pointy snake skin boots.

The band included 8 members including the main man Zach Condon who sang plus played ukulele and trumpet. They had a dedicated piano accordianist, violinist and drummer (who was an Aussie fill in but he did not miss a beat). The rest of the band rotated between a multitude of instruments some songs had three people jamming on ukuleles others had an electric bass and three types of brass. It was a great performance and gave me a much better insight into how the music is put together, if you get a chance to see this band ... do it!

Anticons latest signee Son Lux has done a remix of Beirut's "Sunday Smile". Which is available at Pitchfork. I am not really feeling the remix but maybe it will grow on me. Anticon has been releasing some crackers lately. Back in December I mentioned Telephone Jim Jesus's "Anywhere out of Everything", I am still loving this album and I am happy to be able to post the film clip for Birdstatic. The clip relies on a special effect but it is a very cool effect!