The Portland-based Dandy Warhols have just announced a compilation record, pulling together some of the covers that in the past have ended up as b-sides, tribute albums and soundtracks. To accompany the announcement, the band released a newly-recorded cover of the Violent Femmes‘ classic “Kiss Off.”
The Dandys version features more instrumentation than the original (not a high bar to clear), but sounds equally sparse, with a much more processed drum propelling the whole thing along. The song also features the lead vocals of keyboardist/back-up singer Zia McCabe. She brings a detached, standoffish vibe to the whole thing, which is a key element to the Femmes original.
“I’m especially excited that we’re releasing our cover of ‘Kiss Off’ for the first time,” said Zia McCabe in a press release announcing the album. “I can’t believe this gem has just been sitting on a hard drive for years.”
The record also features the covers of frequently covered artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles and The Byrds. But it also features covers of The Runaways, The Cramps and Marilyn Manson.
The album, Pin Ups, is available on March 20th on The World Records/Little Cloud Records.
