While covers of any song are a welcome departure from the norm, remakes of popular radio hits in particular can often be the most refreshing. Take, for instance, Portland-based indie duo White Hinterland’s trippy rendition of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” Released in July 2010 off Perry’s vastly successful album of the same name, “Teenage Dream” quickly became yet another oft-played number-one single for the pop star. While the rest of the world has moved way past “Teenage Dream” to Perry’s latest chart-topping hit, “The One That Got Away,” White Hinterland revisited the track at a Daytrotter session.
One would be hard-pressed to recognize White Hinterland’s cover as “Teenage Dream” within its first 30 seconds, but, after the initial uncertainty, it becomes clear not only that the song is a cover but also that it sounds a lot more dream-like than Perry’s version. It’s easy to get lost in the song’s pulsing, muted beat and the layered, scattered background harmonies, but thankfully its recognizable lyrics, sung by frontwoman Casey Dienel, are there to ground the listener. Download the cover for yourself below!
MP3: White Hinterland – Teenage Dream (Katy Perry cover)
[audio: News0212/03TeenageDream.mp3]
Check out more from White Hinterland on their website.
I love the album too (see my reveiw). Fuck the haters we can be Katy stans together! There must be some kind of Gaga/Perry axis of evil we can start on Facebook!