When covering a song, changing the speed can completely change the vibe of the track. There’s no better example right now than The Chats and Genesis Owusu’s cover of the Talking Heads‘ hit ‘Psycho Killer’, performed on the Australian music show The Set.
Right from the start of this cover, you can feel the energy is different. Performed at a breakneck speed, Genesis Owusu’s delivery is reminiscent of any of the best ’70s punk acts, while The Chats have kept the same melody chugging along but turned it up to 11. Listening back to the original version, its pace feels glacial in comparison. The venom spat into the lyrics by Genesis Owusu really encapsulates the “Pyscho” aspect to the track, and ensures that this is now my favorite cover of this song. Check out the track below.
Want more? Check out our list of the 25 Best Talking Heads Covers Ever!
How did these people not form a mosh pit?
Y’all need to go back and check out his “Like A Version” of “Anarchy in the UK” :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCS-azaSrsY
It’s, um, *kinda* potent.