If you don’t live in Australia, the name Hoodoo Gurus might not mean much to you, but in the ’80s and early ’90s they were one of the nation’s preeminent college rock bands (think R.E.M. or The Feelies). Though they never found equally huge acclaim stateside, since reuniting they’ve been crowned veritable national treasures back home, being inducted into the Australian music hall of fame a few years ago, and having a song adopted as the official theme song of the National Rugby League (speaking of things that never made it big in the states…). And now, on their current tour of Australia, The Decemberists have begun performing a cover of one of the band’s biggest hits, “Death Defying.”
Even from the YouTube video, the charms and hooks are immediate, with those indelible “oo-ees.” Though it’s undoubtedly a particular a treat for Aussie fans who know the song, for everyone else it will make you want to dig into the Gurus back catalog. Check it out below.
Check out more Decemberists on their website.
