Jan 062011
 

Certain records labels come to represent a sound as fully as the bands they represent. Sub Pop, Epitaph, Matador – all names that conjure up a particular aesthetic for those familiar with their roster. Anova Music may not boast the fame or history of the big labels, but with its small lineup it too represents a specific sound: Israeli indie. Genre-wise, it’s all over the board – from the EatLiz hard rockers to jazz singer Ruth Dolores Weiss – but the small community stays strong.

On a selfish note, we like Anova because of all the covers they send us. Whether generated by label policy or coincidental artist initiative, the songs always deliver. In September we posted Electra’s cover of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and we recently named Weiss’ Leonard Cohen cover one of the best of 2010. Continue reading »

Sep 152010
 

Song of the Day posts one cool cover every morning. Catch up on past installments here.

A Donna Summer concept album is a horrible idea. Yet in 1977, it happened. I Remember Yesterday was that album, but the concept seems half-baked. Side one was “remembering yesterday” and side two was “the future.” That would make the listener flipping the record over “the present” I guess.

“I Feel Love” comes from “the future” and became the album’s biggest hit, despite each verse only containing three words. Rolling Stone named it the 441st best song of all time. This seems questionable, but it shows the track has staying power. Still, the original is so disco-ey I get a headache before it’s halfway through. Tel Aviv-based trio Electra’s massive electro-rock cover is much less dated. Check it out below, then hear their equally terrific take on Desmond Dekker’s “Israelites” here. Continue reading »

Mar 202010
 

Cover News is a weekly feature keeping you up to date on the goings-on in the world of cover tunes, tribute albums, etc. Plus, at the bottom we post the array of cover tunes we’ve been sent in the past week. Have you recorded a cool cover? Send an mp3 to the address on the right! As always, follow Cover Me on Twitter for the latest news.

Cat Power

This Week’s News

Our latest Cover Commissions is in: two covers of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” with a John Maus bonus! [Cover Me]

Garden on a Trampoline is collecting covers of songs from musicals. Just remember: the world doesn’t need another ironic High School Musical cover. [CLLCT]

The question isn’t “Why is Cat Power singing ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ to trees?” The question is “Why aren’t you?” [Pitchfork]

The AV Club at the Onion debuts the first in a 25-part cover series. First up: Ted Leo doing Tear for Fears. [The AV Club]

Beck’s Record Club 4.0 is off and running. The latest album: Kick by INXS. [Vimeo]

Lady Gaga gave “Telephone” a typically outrageous video. Pomplamoose gave it a typically sassy cover. [YouTube]

“Dark Eyes” is often labeled one of Bob Dylan’s most underrated songs. The Dirty Projectors apparently think so, though personally I’d give that prize to “When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky.” [Stereogum]

Jimmy Fallon announces a full week of Exile on Main Street covers on his show in May. He can’t say who the special guests are (but it’s Jagger and Richards). [Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]

Huey Lewis and the News are recording a Stax tribute album. No word on the track list, but you’re probably safe expecting some Otis. [Ardent Studios]

Glenn Beck is pro-American. Bruce Springsteen is anti-American. I bet they’d be best friends. [Media Matters]

This Week’s Submissions

Melissa Bel – Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers) [more]

John Dissed – Dancing in the Moonlight (Thin Lizzy) [more]

Electra – The Israelites (Desmond Dekker) [more]

G.Rag y los Hermanos Patchekos – Nervous Breakdown (Black Flag) [more]

G.Rag y los Hermanos Patchekos – Old Fashioned Morphine (Jolie Holland) [more]

G.Rag y los Hermanos Patchekos – Viper Drag (Fats Waller) [more]

Ruth Dolores Weiss – Ain’t No Cure for Love (Leonard Cohen) [more]

Send your cover to the address on the right for inclusion!