There comes a time in the lives of all indie rockers when they must cover a song far more popular than any of there's. They can do this for a b-side, as a live show staple, or maybe work it in as interlude. Regardless of what form it takes, it is a major point of your indie rock credibility. The last decade has seen Travis take on "Baby ... One More Time," the Vines singing "Ms. Jackson," and even Radiohead tackling "Nobody Does It Better." The trend continues into 2006 with indie legend Ted Leo covering Kelly Clarkson's 2005 smash, "Since You Been Gone." Leo opts not for fancy production, instead a few strums of the acoustic guitar. I'm sure he nailed it one take, and the song has a kind of drunk, open mic feel to it. It only waivers when he interludes with "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It's fun, but you probably won't be listening to it on repeat. For my money, the best cover out right now comes courtesy of Tortoise and Bonnie "Prince" Billy who dip into the pop charts of decade's past. Their collaborative record, The Brave and the Bold includes covers of Elton John, the Minutemen and Richard Thompson, but none is more striking than their take on Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road." Slow, cool, bluesy - impossible to recognize aside from the lyrics - it does just what a great cover should; it redefines the song. The Boss is probably very proud."Since You Been Gone" (mp3 at Veritas Lux Mea): 3
"Thunder Road" (mp3 at Fuel Friends): 4.5
In related news, the umpteenth Radiohead tribute album, Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads is out now (streaming here). Stereogum has a pair of MP3s. Review coming very soon!
4 comments:
Great write up!
I couldn't get that link to play, but I do like Ted Leo - I'll keep an ear out for that.
I'm really itching to get my hands on a recording in which the Constantines cover 6 Neil Young songs, while the Infidels cover 6 Gordon Lightfoot songs. Perhaps a little too much Canadian content for some folks, but I'm willing to give it a try.
I agree absolutely, though. The best covers completely reinvent the original.
This is an interesting topic, Will. I personally think that the tounge-in-cheek covers of pop songs can be really fun (and can break up the monotony of an otherwise boring live performance) but I also think that it is getting a little played out by the hipster crowd.
That being said, one of my very favorite artists of all time, Tori Amos, is the queen of wonderful, eclectic and very deliberately-chosen covers. I love pretty much whatever she chooses and she has turned me onto many of my favorite artists-- most importantly Mr. Leonard Cohen (I had a very musically limited childhood.) So, I love Canadian content, Barbara!
Thanks for the new link, Will. I quite liked what Ted Leo did with that song - nice guitar work, which covers up the pretty juvenile lyrics.
And Hillary, I'm so relieved to hear you like Canadian content in your music, as I can go on ad nauseum about it.
I will need to check out some Tori Amos covers.
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