Blind Prophecy

Yup, in the mood for another Music Monday post. I hadn’t forgotten about them altogether, just have not been listening to a lot of new music lately.

The theme of this post is interesting cover versions of popular songs.

Amanda Palmer (of the Dresden Dolls) covers “Such Great Heights” by the Postal Service.

MP3

I understand that there is some debate over whether she has reinterpreted the song or has used the arrangement created by Iron & Wine. Not important to me. What’s important is the way she makes this song her own because of her unique voice and the emotional color she adds to the song. I’ve heard Iron & Wine’s version, and compared to Miss Palmer’s rendition, even at the stripped-down orchestration and slower tempo, it’s still rainbows and butterflies. Palmer’s cover is not. Emo rocks.

Franz Ferdinand covers “Womanizer” by Britney Spears

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Step 1: find irritating pop/dance song with repetitive lyrics and faux-girl-power message mixed with awkward slang. Step 2: Cut the crappy over-produced over-technologically enhanced bullshit (seriously, not since Cher’s “Believe” have I heard so much sound manipulation over a Diva’s entire vocal track). Step 3: Replace with traditional alternative rock guitar and drums, add guitar solo. Step 4: Record song with ironic hipster attitude. Step 5: Apologize to Britney fans because showing that other people make better versions of her songs is probably upsetting (see also Sasha Sacket, Marty Casey, Yael Naim, and somebody’s high school orchestra).

We Have Band covers “West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys

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Can I keep my gay card if I admit that I never really cared all that much about/for Pet Shop Boys? Oh, I agree that some of their songs are catchy and fun, but I would never spend money on a concert or an album. Back in the day when I was working queer press, I was more than happy to pass on PSB interview opportunities, album reviews and concert tickets to the reporters and staff who were much more excited. Reading East Village Boys the other day, they were profiling We Have Band and included a cover of “West End Girls.” I thought, “why not.” Turns out I liked it, more than I thought I would.

Finally, two takes on the same song…

Ivri Lider sings “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry

Cobra Starship does “I Kissed a Boy” variation on Katy Perry

Both versions have been floating around the web for a while, but they’re fun.

Filed under: music by Jere Keys