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.

Songs That Make You Feel Better

It's hard sometimes, in the dead of winter, to find things that make you happy. This is particularly true in Vancouver, where the sun sets at 4:30 and it wasn't even really out to begin with because it's ALWAYS RAINING. Who chooses to live in a rainforest? Well, me apparently, but that's another story.

Anyway, Lately I've been coming home from work in progressively bad moods. To remedy this, I found several songs (available legally for free download. How delightful!) that lift my spirits, if only for a few minutes. Without further delay, here they are:

-Andrew Bird - "Plasticities" (Daytrotter session)
"Plasticities" (more commonly referred to as "my happy song") is just so simple and beautifully constructed. I find it hard to imagine that I'm the only one who finds it hard not to love.

-Final Fantasy - "Peach, Plum, Pear" (Joanna Newsom cover)
Perhaps I shouldn't be talking about this song, what with my looming cover songs update that will undoubtedly mention it, but it's my blog and I'll do what I want. "Peach, Plum, Pear" is possibly one of the best songs ever written. The only thing that makes it better is the fact that Joanna Newsom isn't singing it. No offense to her, of course. Having to listen to her voice is, in my opinion, a small price to pay to get to listen to her music. It is a relief, however, to get to listen to her music beautifully arranged and sung by someone else. I'm just saying.

-Antony and the Johnsons - "Hope There's Someone"
No, it's not exactly a happy song, but listening to Antony sing is in itself a pleasure. That combined with the amazing and intense way this song ends makes it no less than a treat for the ears, tacky though it may sound.

-Band of Horses - "The Great Salt Lake"
It's a strange phenomenon, I suppose, that technically unhappy songs have the ability to make a person feel better. But for me, it's not about tone or lyrics so much as the beauty of the finished product. I love Ben Bridwell's voice and I adore the melodies he sings in this song. That plus envisioning the nerdy little smile he has on his face while performing, and how can you not feel good, really?

-Rogue Wave - "Eyes"
I can't find words to describe this song because I'm listening to it right now and I'd much rather do that than write. It's just lovely, that's all.

-Built to Spill - "Happiness"
(Ok, I lied about all of them being downloadable. Some jerks are signed to Warner. There's nothing I can do about it. That's what Limewire is for, not that I advocate illegal activity or anything.)
I forgot about this song for quite a while and rediscovered it today. I wasn't even really paying close attention but it pulled me in with the line "Happiness will only happen when it can." An important thing to remember, folks! And besides, winter will be over soon enough.

-Jocelyn

a bit of a mini-post

i just wanted to share this delightful treat with you. it is final fantasy covering peach, plum, pear by joanna newsom. pretty much awesome. pretty much.



bigger update coming shortly!

-joc