Covers Galore

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a band, in admiration of another band (or perhaps in jest), will occasionally do a cover song. Covers are particularly tasty little morsels as they provide us, the idle listener, with insight into the dynamics of inter-band relationships. Whether created out of fandom or hatred, cover songs are pretty damn entertaining.

Cover songs also come in many different delicious flavours. Read on:

THE SUPER EMO COVER OF A MEDIOCRE POP SONG
This kind of cover is unfortunately popular, and not even the best artists are immune. Whether it's The Magic Numers' cover of "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce (minus the Jay-Z rap, which as we all know is the best part of that song), or Alanis' super cheesy cover of "My Humps", these super emo gems are really just nuggets of crap. Except, of course, for one noteable exception.

The award for Best Super Emo Cover of a Mediocre Pop Song goes to...

THE "HEY YA!" SING (AND CLAP) ALONG
Another popular cover, the "Hey Ya!" sing-along has popped up everywhere so often, that there no longer unexpected places to find it. Whether it's Tilly and the Wall or my friends Tristan and Max at an open mic in a church basement, it's hard to make something special out of a bunch of people just singing along to an already very special song. There is one group, however, who I believe have achieved this goal.

The award for Best "Hey Ya!" Sing (and Clap) Along goes to...

The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra



THE GOOD SONG MADE BETTER
The goal of covers, one would assume, is (or should be) always to take a song and improve it. This goal, however, is rarely reached. When it is reached, though, it is so so sweet.

The award for Best Good Song Made Better goes to...

Peach, Plum, Pear (Joanna Newsom) - Final Fantasy



THE GOOD SONG MADE WEIRDER
Not much to say here. Just listen:




THE REALLY REALLY RIDICULOUS COVER OF AN ALREADY REALLY RIDICULOUS SONG
Perhaps my favourite category of cover song, ridiculous covers are, in my opinion, the spice of life. I can't really say anything about the winner in this category, except "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA."

The award for Best Really Really Ridiculous Cover of an Already Really Ridiculous Song goes to...

My Sharona (The Knack) - Polysics


And finally, it's time for the best cover ever to exist ever in the world, also from the previous category. There has never been, nor ever will there be, a better cover than this cover. It is also impossible to find. Or, it was, until I hunted it down for you, my loyal readers, and, of course, your EXCLUSIVE downloading pleasure. May I present, without further delay, the greatest cover song ever done EVER:

Hot in Herre (Nelly) - Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't

-Jocelyn

P.S. Thanks very much to Pete for sending me the above file. It is super appreciated.