Ben Gibbard Joins a Smiths Tribute Band at SF SketchFest

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Jan 282026
 
Ben Gibbard Sings Morrissey

In what seems like the inverse of what has been happening lately, fans of The Smiths and Morrissey fans got to hear some of their songs live on stage. The comedy group The State came together at SF SketchFest to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their film Wet Hot American Summer. Part of that celebration included a performance by Death Cab for Cutie‘s Ben Gibbard with The Smiths tribute band the Sweet and Tender Hooligans. (Also joining with performances of their own were comedians Ana Gasteyer, Tony Hale and Natasha Leggero and musician Jane Wiedlin from the Go-Go’s.) Continue reading »

The Best Cover Songs of August & September 2025

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Sep 302025
 
Best Cover Songs
Benson Boone — When We Were Young (Adele cover)

Benson Boone gets clowned on, but dude can sing (and, yes, backflip). “When We Were Young” is not exactly an easy song to nail. But, at a tour stop in Columbus, he did just that—one of many covers he’s been doing on the road.

BRAINSTORM — The Boys Of Summer (Don Henley cover)

Every summer comes, inevitably, more “Boys of Summer” covers. This metal-ish version comes from German power-metal vets BRAINSTORM (all caps so you know they’re serious). Singer Andy B. Franck says: “Even though ‘The Boys Of Summer’ deals with rather nostalgic themes of ‘summer love’ and the memory of a past relationship, for me – at the time a 13-year-old – it was, beyond the metal anthems of the 80s, a great song that I associated with summer, girls and the corresponding feeling for many, many years…Even today, this song still evokes great memories for me, and since it’s also a song about questioning the past, this track fits perfectly into our times.” Continue reading »

The Best Cover Songs of June 2025

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Jun 302025
 
The Best Cover Songs of June 2025
Alex Lahey — Rock & Roll Queen (The Subways cover)


Four years ago, Australian singer/songwriter Alex Lahey topped our year-end list with a truly phenomenal cover of Faith Hill’s 1998 hit “This Kiss.” She made the Top 10 again in 2023 singing Mama Cass’s Make Your Own Kind of Music.” At this point, whenever Lahey drops a new cover, we’re immediately interested. Her latest, the b-side to a new single supporting trans rights, tackles indie-rockers The Subways 2005 single “Rock & Roll Queen.” Unlike some of her other covers, Lahey doesn’t change it that much (no need to make the already loud-and-rocking song louder and rockier like “This Kiss”). Still, it rips. Continue reading »

Sarah Meth Covers The Smiths’ “I Know It’s Over” Live

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Jun 062025
 
sarah meth

“I Know It’s Over” from The Queen Is Dead expresses despair and loneliness in the way only The Smiths can. Then the enigmatic producer/singer-songwriter Sarah Meth took on the heart-rending tune in her live and acoustic version of the song to Line Of Best Fit’s secret sessions.

Wearing trendy black-and-white sunglasses, a background of warm flames, and a shining acoustic guitar in hand, Meth began the performance. Her delicate ‘ahhs’ were Eilish-esque, and her rich lows? Perfectly emulated Morrissey’s energy.

Check out her The Smith’s cover below.

Pete Doherty Plays Two Smiths Covers with the Band’s Drummer

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May 072025
 
pete doherty

On his most recent solo tour, Pete Doherty has been playing The Smiths‘ “Panic” and “How Soon is Now?” with the band’s drummer Mike Joyce backing him up. Doherty, who is the front man of the bands The Libertines and Babyshambles, was touring in support of his upcoming solo album, Felt Better Alive. Joyce had been joining the tour on certain dates as an “extra special guest” at gigs in the UK and in Europe. The album is out May 14th. Continue reading »

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