"What You Waiting For," Franz Ferdinandmp3 at Muzak For Cybernetics
In the grand tradition of indie rockers covering pop tunes, the fine fellows in Franz Ferdinand have contributed this cover of Gwen Stefani's first single to next month's Q compilation. Since their music is already rather tongue-in-cheek, the cover does not come off as kitschy or ironic. Well, not anymore kitschy or ironic than, say, "Do You Want To." It is rather brilliant but still cannot compare to Sebastian Bach's "Hollaback Girl." 4
"SOS," RihannaWhile 2006 has had a lot of great indie music, it has been rather short on guilty pleasure dance floor jams (in the vein of "Toxic" or "Rock Your Body"). Alas, it appears that one has finally come along. Rhianna previously made a splash with "Pon De Replay," a rather lame R&B summer jam about how a party could be better if the DJ would turn the music up. She tops that one considerably, but this is really is all about the sample. I have always liked "Tainted Love," and frankly, it is the beat that makes that song so catchy. "SOS" pretty much steals the beat, making a few tweaks here and there so as not to be complete Puffysploitation. Regardless, I can't get it out of my head ... nor do I want to. 4
"Orange Crush," Editorsmp3 at Stereogum
Another cover, which will be featured on the Q compilation, as well as on the "Blood" single. The band doesn't change the tempo too much - which works seeing as how singer Tom Smith sounds nothing like Michael Stipe. Musically, it's quite good, with Editors doing that dark atmospheric thing. The vocals however (both lead and background) are not quite pulled off. Worth a listen - but just a few. 3
"Anysound" (video), The Vines
"Anysound" is rather emblematic of what is so frustrating about the Vines' Vision Valley. It appears that they are trying to take things up a notch, hiring Michel Gondry's brother, Olivier, to direct this claymation video. Not spectacular, but kinda fun. 3.5
::Previously::
1 Last week's
3 comments:
You know, I've been on this Pop Music craze thing for about 5 years. I have no idea why.
"SOS" is so darn catchy, I agree. I love it. I think the beat and hook are so infectious.
But, radio stations will overplay it - and that's why I limit my radio listening.
I don't know the original, but Franz do a dandy job on that cover. I think they could do their grovery list and make it sassy and clever.
Editors' cover of Orange Crush isn't really all that much different from REM, and I usually like covers to be reinvented more, but there are exceptions - Constantines' cover of Thank You for Sending Me an Angel is pretty great while still sounding very much like the original.
Those puppets sure had some moves in the Vines' video, but I was disappointed there was no scissor kick.
With ya, Phoenix. I love pop music as well, though I have not been crazy about much in the past year.
Yeah, Barbara, I like a little reinvention as well. Or if they don't reinvent, at least make it sound meaningful. The original "What You Waiting For" is kinda good, but I do prefer the Franzy boys.
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