onthebeatntrack

OMG (and yes, OMG as an abbreviation for Oh My Gawd is the ONLY acceptable term of all internet speak, etc. and if you ever see me write LOL or LOLzzzz, I’m totally taking the piss – seriously), yes OMG – I have actually done it! In four months time, I will be flying off Australian shores for only the second time ever! I know, I sound so worldly with all of my witty and passionately emotivating (totally up for an addition in next year’s Oxford dictionary, surely?!) writing and semi emotional (cough) maturity (cough … probably pneumonia). But no, aside from a week in the visually pleasing south island of New Zealand and two whole years in Brisbane, my permanent residence has been within approximately a 100km radius for my entire life – you’ll take my words less seriously now I know and, considering the tone of my writing to date, that means I’ll practically be a scene from a Lucille Ball comedy. But wait for it, here is the sell – I mean, you’re still reading now and you’ve just discovered that I basically know nothing – imagine how good things will be when I immerse myself in different cultures and meet like total randoms for some serious musical connectivity?! I know, right … seriously! Meanwhile, I already have my Facebook status ready for when I land at my eventual destination (London is the plan) – “Oh my god I can’t believe it, I’ve never been this far away from home” which is a song called Oh My God (I see a not at all intentional theme going on here today, so let’s just roll with it and see where this takes us). The song was originally done by the Kaiser Chiefs but I came to love this song through a cover by Lily Allen – one of my favourite covers. Yes, ever and it’s definitely a major contender. It is track 2 on Mark Ronson’s Version album and just one the reasons that I love that album to pieces.

Well, now that we’re here, covers appears to be where we are going to go today – honestly, I hadn’t even planned this it’s all just happening as if Rain Man had Flo Jo’s elaborately decorated nails and her no doubt very speed fingers … imagine his reflexes and her speed? You’re clearly in very capable hands (and feet) today.

There was a feature in the Extrahit Magazine, the only section of the Herald Sun worth reading (I’m not a snob, just lazy … ok, I’m a little bit judgemental of highly sensationalised journalism) on exactly this topic a few months ago, so I have reflected on this a few months back already. I even took the time to write to the man who compiled the article – Cameron Adams – for the first time in the fifteen years that I’ve read the magazine, his reviews and articles. I actually agreed with many of them – there was more than a few of my own favourites there, so I wanted to acknowledge that – but also wanted to add my own 2 million dollars worth (not independently valued at the time of writing).

I really love covers, even when I hate them. I think it’s hearing the interpretation and what another musician can do with it – sometimes just the change of vocal or stripping a song bare can bring more focus to the lyrics, just like an entirely different genre can entirely transform the song into almost nothing like its original form. I like to think that the covering artist has a real affinity with the song – either emotional or just musical – and this is why it works so well so often. But then maybe it’s just that when you know 5,000 songs and have a half decent voice and an ear for music, you know what’s going to suit you.

So what is a ‘cover’ according to D-Rock? This will be the first chapter of the new testament … the gospel of 2000 – 2009 already needs its own modern cover version, even if that cover comes from its original creator (I’m hearing Santigold doing some “Me I’m the Creator, thrill is to make it up, the rules I break got me a place up on the radar” – and who can argue with someone as cool as her?!). Hmmmfffff, looks like the list needs to come out of retirement, Michael Jordan style:

• a cover is NOT a remix

• a cover DOESN’T contain vocals from the original performer (unless they are cover endorsing backing vocals – thank you Neil Finn)

• a cover is NOT a dance remix of a Fleetwood Mac song or Nick Skitz’s version of Twenty4Seven’s Slave to the Music – you would be confusing that with absolutely disrespectful farking rubbish

• a cover would not be Leona Lewis’ Bleeding Love or Chris Brown’s Forever – it’s unfortunate I know, because WE ALL KNOW how awesome both of those songs are and I’d like nothing more than to tell everyone of their awesomeness. Another time my loyal minions, another time ….

• a cover must have been released prior by another artist and it’s ok if the original is slightly more than obscure (think Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn – not her song, but no one had ever heard the original …)

On this basis – and while the list is out of retirement – what are some of my favourite covers, like, ever? In no particular order (the list is only playing second division this week to give himself a run before rejoining the majors when he is fit enough), here they are – just click on the song titles if you want to have a look-see-listen:

• Oh My God – Lily Allen
Given this is the song that got us here, it’s a worthy first entrant. Lily’s SASS and Mr Mark Ronson’s jazzy CLASS is a Dexter AND Kerrie Friend endorsed Perfect Match. Cool as you like!

• Bizarre Love Triangle – Frente
I can still remember this song so vividly when it came out. I really loved Ordinary Angels (their first single) and unfortunately they are only remembered for the novelty Accidentally Kelly Street. Hearing this and Angie Hart’s (vocalist) solo new stuff (love her album Grounded Bird), their potential was far greater than ‘one hit wonder’ status. Even today, this is a really amazing understated cover, so check it out.

• Landslide – Dixie Chicks
OMG, OMG! This song currently sits at number 3 on my iTunes Top 25 Most Played List. The song itself is so beautiful (thank you Stevie Nicks for the magical words) and Natalie Maines’ voice and their string instrument infused sound just add another touch of magic. Lyrical exhibit A: “Oh mirror in the sky, what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life? Ah ahhh …” – for me, that is poetry folks and I would encourage you to give the Dixie’s version a bit o’ a spin. Your Honour, I can now rest my case.

• Stop Me – Mark Ronson with Daniel Merriweather
I talked about this one already in ‘So This is Christmas’. Really something special what they did with this – and to give us some ‘Keep Me Hanging On’ (I like to think it’s Kim Wilde’s version, rather than the Supremes) at the end = Man. After. My. Own. Heart x2.

• Across the Universe – Fiona Apple
Again, I talked about this one and included a link in a previous post ‘Design of a Decade … the entirely voluntary tutorial’. She is amazing. This song is amazing and easily one of my favourite Beatles songs – and let’s face it, they were also amazing. Who’s feeling amazed? Me. Totes.

• Hallelujah – KD Lang
Another one I’ve no doubt bored you shitless talking about to date – ‘a very welcome (Lupe`) Fiasco is the culprit – but worth way more than every shit boring word I’ve said. I really think that this version deserves more recognition in its own right – like Johnny Cash’s Hurt, you feel like this could be her original.

• Distant Sun – Brooke Fraser
Her voice is soaring on this song – peaks at just the right time. Respect to the Christian Kiwi. As far as cover albums go, She Will Have Her Way, which is songs by Tim & Neill Finn performed by Aussie and Kiwi females, is right up there with the best of them.

• Hurt – Johnny Cash
It is incredibly hard to believe that this isn’t his original – the vocal, the film clip, the lyrics … they all suit perfectly a man at his stage of life and a man that had led his life. Touching, in the most haunting way. Trent Reznor (from Nine Inch Nail’s – the original’s vocalist) does a pretty solid live version of this too – here’s a link if you want to check that out.

• Better Be Home Soon – Kasey Chambers
Yes, I love Kasey Chambers and Crowded House so perhaps this was always going to work for me. But, as I was saying above, when you strip a song bare and make the vocals the object of attention, especially anything with the sort of honest and poetic lyrics Crowded House gave us, you so often get something really special. You don’t believe me, do you? This is one of the best displays of her imperfect yet captivating voice … AND Neil Finn sings backing vocals so it’s totally endorsed. I rested my case before, but I’ve just picked it up again and slammed it back down IN YOUR FACE. Booyaa!

• As – George Michael and Mary J Blige
Wow, what a song you gave them Stevie Wonder! And MJB (‘the voice’) and G Michael – what a combination. The words to this song are filled with such unbridled love – “until the rainbow burns the stars out of the sky, I’ll be loving you”. Amen to dat my sistaz. One of the very best.

• One - Mary J Blige
I’m not a massive Bono fan (or U2 for that matter – I think they’re overrated … oh yes he di-id just say dat bi-itch!), but he has endorsed this track as MJB’s own now, and she bri-ings it! I only have a couple of favourite U2 tracks (One, Numb, With or Without You) and the fact that MJB nails this 100 times more than Bono (I know they’re different but it’s strong preference I’ve got) kind of reaffirms that they’re a bit ‘meh’ for me. The passion in her voice at all the right moments actually made me take note and listen to the lyrics – each and every single one – for the very first time. This still gives me goosies …

• Fell in Love With a Boy – Joss Stone
I dug Joss Stone’s The Soul Sessions which was a selection of old soul covers … plus this cover of the White Stripes’ Fell in Love With a Girl. This is the sort of funky tune that she should be getting it on with now … not sure what happened. Nonetheless, an impressive track.

• I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You – UB40
GOD, I have not heard this song in about 187 million years and 946 days … but I still remember it and still remember loving it. Hang on, I am going to check it out on YouTube now ….. Oh God, it’s Sharon Stone giving a look like “I just flashed my bits in my last movie, why am I now doing another slutty movie with the Baldwin brother that no one knows?” It’s a good question Shaz, and I don’t know the answer because despite not having seen the movie (Sliver) even I can see from here that it was the wrong ass baring move on your part. Still, the song is not vomit inducing in a pre-Mark Ronson’s horn kind of way and I’ll always have my memories …

• Rocket Man – Kate Bush
My favourite Elton John song is given the most worthy of council approved renovations to become my favourite Kate Bush song. Wuthering Heights and Babooshka are both freakishly brilliant in a freakishly ‘OMG she’s a total freak’ kind of way … and yes, this is also kooky to the power of 1, but there’s also a sincerity in her voice and a not too over the top theatrical performance which makes it. Still, she is a woman singing in the character of a man … PS. Running Up that Hill is a very close runner up for my favourite Kate Bush song.

• Blue Bayou – Linda Rondstadt
I only heard this song earlier last year when we had the all important job of drinking … oh sorry, selecting the strict entire playlist for my fellow music loving friend’s wedding – her only rule on the night? “NO requests!” The DJ had her orders ladies and gentleman and did a dancefloor worthy job I must say so. I love Roy Orbison (the song’s original owner) and bought his best of for my Dad a couple of years ago for Christmas – yes, it was ten dollars, but I also got him a bottle of wine, so relax. Linda Rondstadt’s version just has something – it’s summery and heartfelt and totally old but I love it like it’s new.

• Wanna Be Startin’ Something – Akon (with Michael Jackson)
I can’t really believe that in the list’s first week back, we are making him carry the weight of Akon. But you know, in his production work he has actually done some cool things (India Arie’s I am Not My Hair, Gwen Stefani’s poptastic the Sweet Escape and he did sign Lady Gaga and had a hand in the underrated Just Dance – case is again picked up though this time it is only gently rested your honour, as I realise that my case is not made of concrete and it might break if I apply too much force). This is actually a really a really respectable cut – the change in vocals and the bare arrangement (I sound like I know what that means – I don’t) bring a gentle emotion to the lyrics that doesn’t exist in the original – as awesome as the original is. Yes, I am also aware that this probably shouldn’t be eligible based on one or more of the criteria I set above … but like Robyn “I just can’t deal with the rules, I can’t take the pressure!” So go easy on me, please …

• At Your Best (You Are Love) – Aaliyah
If anyone has heard this track they can testify to  its soft magic. This proves that Aaliyah’s voice could match her funk and sass … more reasons to mourn her loss. Sigh. The song  – like the performer – is just a downright beauty. 

Your mission (which I encourage you to accept … and I don’t ask for much really) … is to add a comment and tell me your favourite cover version. Maybe it’s on here already, maybe Cameron Adams captured it in his top 50 (view that list here) or maybe we’ve both missed it. Leave a comment and let me know whatchareckon. Who knows, it might turn into D-Rocks first cd compilation – all totally above board and legal OF COURSE …

So D-Rock, what else .…? Dear God, what more do you want? I’m going overseas and I’ve given you another slice of myself right here, right now. Oh and yeah, I know I promised you a Dixie Chicks thesis – it’s coming. It’s almost ready for posting, but wanted something that was a bit more general and crowd pleasing today.

AND …. Happy Australia Day to my local readers! It is a very good weekend ahead. Am missing the Big Day Out this year for the first time in 5 years … but looking forward to the Laneway Festival not 5 days later!

One more thing …  I am WA-HAY-HAY loving Florence and the Machine this week. Only got my hands on the cd last week (shameful, I know) and it’s fair to say we’ve not spent many moments apart since. It’s epic, glorious and borderline crazy in the best kind of way. LOVE.ING. IT. If you’re not familiar try Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) – unbelievably awesome, Between Two Lungs, My Boy Builds Coffins (a creeper and a favourite), Cosmic Love and, of course, Dog Days are Over.

PS. Don’t forget to leave a comment telling me your favourite cover version ….

Ciao for now …