Apr 292025
 
Maggie Rogers and Sylvan Esso

Two of indie pop’s brightest names, Maggie Rogers and Sylvan Esso, have teamed up to deliver a mystical new cover of Broken Social Scene’s classic “Anthems For A Seventeen Year Old Girl.” Their version arrives as part of the announcement for You Forgot It In People: A Tribute, a covers album celebrating the 20th anniversary of Broken Social Scene’s seminal 2002 record.

On an Instagram announcement post for the single release, Rogers wrote, “‘Anthems For A Seventeen Year Old Girl’ is one of those songs that changed my life. Found me and ripped me apart and showed up for me crying alone in a car or dancing in many living rooms over many years with friends. It showed me the power of repetition in music when it can become a kind of meditative mantra.”

She added, “When I got the call to cover it a few years ago, it seemed like a completely insurmountable task, but creating something new with two of my best friends … was more fun than I could have possibly imagined.”

As for the cover, Rogers’ signature breathy vocals pair beautifully with Sylvan Esso’s minimalist electronic production, giving the wistful track a fresh, dreamlike quality while preserving the aching nostalgia of the original. Their collaboration captures the spirit of teenage longing and transformation that made the song so beloved, while adding a new, intimate sonic texture that feels uniquely their own.

Sylvan Esso wrote on their Instagram, “It was such a terrifying honor to be asked to cover this with Maggie, as it’s one of our favorite songs of all time. We hope we’ve done it justice and that you like it.”

The You Forgot It In People tribute project will feature a lineup of acclaimed artists, each covering tracks from the landmark album, a record that helped define indie rock’s early 2000s soundscape. If this first release is any indication, the tribute promises to be a heartfelt and innovative celebration of Broken Social Scene’s enduring legacy. The full album is released June 6th, and the track list is as follows:

1. Ouri — “Capture The Flag”
2. Hovvdy — “KC Accidental”
3. Toro y Moi — “Stars And Sons”
4. Miya Folick and Hand Habits — “Almost Crimes”
5. The Weather Station — “Looks Just Like The Sun”
6. Mdou Moctar and Mikey Coltun — “Pacific Theme”
7. Maggie Rogers & Sylvan Esso — “Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl”
8. Middle Kids — “Cause = Time”
9. Benny Sings — “Late Nineties Bedroom Rock For The Missionaries”
10. Spirit Of The Beehive — “Shampoo Suicide”
11. Serpentwithfeet — “Lover’s Spit”
12. Sessa — “Ainda Sou Seu Moleque”
13. Babygirl — “Pitter Patter Goes My Heart”

Oct 292024
 
Maggie Rogers Night Changes

One of the biggest stories of the past fortnight was the unfortunate passing of One Direction member Liam Payne, who passed away aged 31 in Argentina. Among the tributes that have been shared across the music world, Maggie Rogers chose to honour Payne’s memory by performing the One Direction song “Night Changes” at her show at the TD Garden in Boston. Continue reading »

Sep 042024
 
coldplay maggie rogers

One of my favourite things is seeing bands play tribute to other musicians as a part of their live shows, something Coldplay have a good track record of doing. While performing in Vienna, lead singer Chris Martin made reference to Taylor Swift‘s cancelled shows in the city, and asked Maggie Rogers and two dedicated Swifties from the audience to join him in a cover of Swift’s massive hit “Love Story.” Continue reading »

Apr 012024
 
best cover songs
Aoife O’Donovan — The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll (Bob Dylan cover)

Bartees Strange — You Always Hurt The Ones You Love (Mills Brothers cover)

Beyoncé — Blackbird (The Beatles cover)

Continue reading »

May 292020
 

Check out the best covers of past months here.

best cover songs may 2020
Daniel Romano’s Outfit – Sweetheart Like You (Bob Dylan cover)


This one’s for all the Dylan superfans. In 1984, Bob Dylan played three songs on Letterman with L.A. punk band The Plugz. They were gritty and garagey and raw. It boded well for his new sound. And then he never played with them again. The album he was ostensibly promoting, Infidels, was much smoother, helmed by Mark Knopfler. For those who still wonder what could have been, Daniel Romano covered the entire album as if he’d recorded it with The Plugz. Continue reading »