Apr 022011
 

This March, we pit 64 Beatles covers against each other in what we call Moptop Madness.

Yesterday’s winner: Joe Cocker, “With a Little Help from My Friends”

The final round of the Elite Eight here today, folks. It offers two quieter performances by renowned singer-songwriters. José Feliciano’s “A Day in the Life” strums off against Elliott Smith’s “Because.” Vote to see which song will make the Final Four (which begins tomorrow).

Listen to both songs below, then vote for your favorite. For added sway, try to convince others to vote your way in the comments. Voting closes in 24 hours. Continue reading »

Mar 292011
 

This March, we pit 64 Beatles covers against each other in what we call Moptop Madness.

Yesterday’s winners: Johnny Cash, “In My Life” and Elliott Smith, “Because”

Today we bring you the final matchups of the Sweet 16. First, the J.C.s face off when Jonathan Coulton’s new favorite “I Will” meets Joe Cocker’s legendary “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Then, it’s soft-versus-loud in the battle between José Feliciano’s “A Day in the Life” and Sonic Youth’s “Within You Without You.”

Listen to each pairing below, then vote for your favorite. For added sway, try to convince others to vote your way in the comments. Voting closes in 24 hours. Continue reading »

Mar 252011
 

This March, we pit 64 Beatles covers against each other in what we call Moptop Madness.

Yesterday’s winners: Jonathan Coulton, “I Will” and Sonic Youth, “Within You Without You”

Today we stage our final Round Two matchups! And they look to be doozys. First, it’s an all-out shout-off as Ike and Tina Turner’s “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window” goes up against Joe Cocker’s “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Then, things get a wee bit quieter with José Feliciano’s “A Day in the Life” battling Sukilove’s “Love You To.”

Listen to each pairing below, then vote for your favorite. For added sway, try to convince others to vote your way in the comments. Voting closes in 24 hours. Continue reading »

Mar 172011
 

This March, we pit 64 Beatles covers against each other in what we call Moptop Madness.

Yesterday’s winners: Ike and Tina Turner, “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” and Sukilove, “Love You To”

For our final matches of Round One, we have not one but two stylistically-appropriate pairings. First, it’s rock and roll at its finest when Joe Cocker’s “With a Little Help from My Friends” goes tooth and nail with Gary U.S. Bonds’ “It’s Only Love.” Then, things get a touch more delicate as two acoustic masters face off: José Feliciano on “A Day in the Life” and Laurence Juber on “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

Listen to each pairing below, then vote for your favorite. For added sway, try to convince others to vote your way in the comments. Voting closes in 24 hours. Continue reading »

Nov 302010
 

As we pointed out last week, the season of Christmas covers is heavily upon us. So far, the standout entries come from modern-day girl groups (sorry, Susan Boyle). Girl in a Coma, The Puppini Sisters, and Sea of Bees have all delivered beautiful Christmas covers, sounding like indie updates on Andrews Sisters harmonies. Check ‘em out below.

Joan Jett-signees Girl in a Coma bring some Texas punk swagger to Elvis’ “Blue Christmas,” sounding not particularly distraught about their man leaving. It comes off the Blackheart Christmas compilation. The Puppini Sisters’ version of Wham!’s “Last Christmas” swings along more traditionally, with grand pop production that would sound dated in less capable hands. If you like that trio sound, check out Christmas with the Puppini Sisters. Sea of Bees is actually only one girl – Julie Ann Bee – but she layers her vocals plenty thick on “Feliz Navidad.” Proceeds from the single (which you can buy on iTunes) go to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention group for LGBTQ youth. Continue reading »