The Wikipedia entry for “Layla” notes that “Covers have been fairly rare” and for once the site is right. Though it’s one of the most classic rock songs in the classic rock cannon, most of the few covers that exist are either speed-riff ripoffs or smooth jazz grooves inspired by Eric Clapton’s MTV Unplugged version. A few do, however, bridge the gap – or go in a different direction entirely. Download the five best below. Continue reading »
There are cynics in this world who might revise the old adage to read, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, do cover songs.” However, it’s a near-certainty that those cynics have never heard classic cover collections like Cat Power’s Covers Record, the Rolling Stones‘ Rolling Stones EP, or Robert Plant and Allison Krauss’s Raising Sand. Now the time has come for believers and nonbelievers alike to welcome another member to the cover pantheon: Macy Gray’s new take on Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book, an ambitious, full-album undertaking Gray dives into with breathtaking zeal – and what stunning results she brings to the surface. Continue reading »
When not on tour with legendary psychedelic jamband Phish, you can catch Trey Anastasio touring with his band or lending a hand to Superstorm Sandy victims in Brooklyn. The guiarist, singer and songwriter has just released his ninth solo studio album, The Traveler. The album was co-produced with Peter Katis (The National, Interpol) at Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT. Musicians include the Trey Anastasio Band, Mates of State’s Kori Gardner, The National’s Bryan Devendorf and Matt Berninger, Bon Iver’s Rob Moose, and Icelandic percussionist Samuli Kosminen. Continue reading »
If Rihanna‘s latest single “Diamonds” has been running rampant in your brain as of late and you need at least a variant (beyond the remix with Kanye West) then you’re in luck. Zola Jesus posted a version of “Diamonds” as a “small thank you to fans and followers” November 15th. Continue reading »
Under the Radar shines a light on lesser-known cover artists. If you’re not listening to these folks, you should. Catch up on past installments here.
It feels a little strange putting the Great Lake Swimmers in the “Under the Radar” category. After all, they’ve been recording albums for over a decade – their fifth, New Wild Everywhere, came out earlier this year. They’ve toured the world and elsewhere, with adoring crowds currently flocking to see them throughout Europe. They have nearly 50,000 Facebook fans and hundreds of thousands more around the planet. And yet, they’re still known for being little-known, their ambient-folk sound ever reluctant to cross the mainstream. Continue reading »
Saint Saviour is an atmospheric/electronic cover producing machine. Over the past year or so, we have featured four covers by the pop seamstress. Her most recent cover, a subdued take on Bonnie Tyler‘s power ballad “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” is a fantastic addition to her quickly growing cover catalog. Continue reading »