Michael Jackson‘s death almost two years ago has led to a resurgence of interest in his music, and, not coincidentally, a glut of covers. Unfortunately, not everyone can pull off a tribute to The King of Pop. Boston’s Bad Rabbits, though, take “Human Nature” from the Thriller album and turn it from soft rock into a spaced-out funk tune. The ’80s synths are replaced with crisp, swirling keys, the reverb is gone, and lead singer Dua Boakye showcases a great falsetto. Continue reading »
Twice a year, the indie chicks of Girl Crisis sit down in a Brooklyn living room to perform a cover. In the summer months, they honor their gender with a song by a female songwriter. Last summer, for instance, they covered Taylor Dayn’s “Tell It to My Heart.” In the winter, they go for the guys. This winter: Ozzy Osbourne, with Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” Continue reading »
Quickies rounds up new can’t-miss covers. Download ‘em below.
• Australia’s Triple J radio is on a roll. Last week found them recording Yeasayer’s infectious Seal cover and this week Kate Nash hit the studio to perform Denise Williams’ Footloose smash “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.”
MP3: Kate Nash – Let’s Hear It for the Boy (Denise Williams cover) Continue reading »
Before he headed out on tour opening for Josh Ritter, Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison tweeted that he would perform a new cover every night. Ritter stepped up his game accordingly and every performance so far has delivered a few covers for lucky concertgoers. So far Hutchison has performed Prince’s “Purple Rain” and Band of Horses’ “The Funeral,” while Ritter has countered with his full-band version of the Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes.” Continue reading »
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Bat For Lashes. Sure, we’ve been making do with “Daniel” covers (1, 2), but her own covers have been missed. Her cover of Depeche Mode’s “Strangelove” finds her back at her best though. Thumping bass, ominous guitar effects, and Natasha Khan haunted-pop vocals return in full force. Continue reading »
Every Wednesday, our resident Gleek Eric Garneau gives his take on last night’s Glee covers.
Last night’s Glee would fall into the category of “a very special episode,” except that the show often takes on issues typically relegated to after-school specials. Still, as the title promises, “Blame it on the Alcohol” features the glee club from McKinley High dealing with that particular temptation in exaggerated ways. Responding to increased incidents of public drunkenness from students, Principal Figgins assigns the club to perform an anti-drinking number during a school assembly. Meanwhile, Rachel’s parents leave town and, looking to “live a little,” she throws one of those wild teenage parties that usually only happens in TV shows (and where most of the actors are well past their teenage years). Continue reading »