Even in these days when everyone seems to be covering everyone else, one act’s material you don’t encounter much is The Stone Roses’. Is it because they’re too sacred? Or has everyone forgotten about them?
As far as Americans are concerned, it’s more likely to be down to the fact that they’ve never heard of them. Indie darlings turned chart-toppers Death Cab For Cutie have done their bit to remedy that, by covering the opening track from The Stone Roses’ eponymous debut.

Continue reading »

Posted by Stuart Waterman on Tuesday May 20th, 2008 at 10:08 am

If you get caught whistling ‘Red Red Wine’, you run the risk of getting lamped by someone. Hardly surprising when you consider the fact that most people associate the song with the terrible UB40. The song was actually originally a firecracking ska number by Tony Tribe and you can listen to it here. It’s a winner. Time to reappraise.
[video:firebladerr1]

Posted by mofgimmers on Friday April 25th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

I don’t think Dolly Parton’s oeuvre has featured much on the ol’ Toilet. I can semi-remedy that now by pointing you do a delicious cover of her megasmash duet with Kenny Rogers, “Islands In The Stream”.
Now, I know this song is cheesier than a house made of Edam, but I’ve always liked it. And now, thanks to some people called the Constantines teaming up with Feist, I can say so and appear somewhat hip. I don’t think I need to add any more really - just click here and hope it’s still up for your listening pleasure.
[via Lycanthropy]

Posted by Stuart Waterman on Friday April 18th, 2008 at 8:43 am

I know I said I didn’t dig Jimi like I should, but when he’s good, he’s irresistible. Way back when, Jimi and the boys played on Lulu’s TV show, and half-way through a tuff enuff rendition of ‘Hey Joe’, they decided to “stop playing this rubbish” and go into a thunderous version of Cream’s ‘Sunshine of Your Love’. Is it better than Spanky Wilson’s version? Who cares! Love ‘em both! Full points to the people who pointed out that ‘Hey Joe’ is a cover too…
[video:birdy974]

Posted by mofgimmers on Friday April 4th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

Iggy Pop is an old man who owns no tops. None. You will never see this man in a shirt. Ever. Mr.Pop sings songs of a rockular variety, sometimes with his old band The Stooges.
This is a video of Mr.Pop singing Madonna’s “Ray Of Light”, with some folk who may/may not be Stooges. To Madonna. At her induction into some American thing called The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. That’s a nice thing to do, isn’t it? Nice tribute. Madonna doesn’t look overly impressed, however, even though she asked him to do it in the first flaming place.
Interesting to see him wandering through the kitchen afterwards, mind - and he even gets a nice hug from Madonna, which I’m guessing probably felt a little bit muscley. For both parties.

[video: merken]
[via elbo.ws]

Posted by Stuart Waterman on Monday March 17th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

Okay, this week’s Under The Covers isn’t strictly a cover version, but is something that everyone needs to see all the same. When Pulp released their ‘Bad Cover Version’ single many moons ago, instead of opting for the usual skinny-tie-at-a-gig vid, they produced one of the most memorable videos ever made. Featuring a huge cast of tribute acts, some good, some terrible, the video epitomizes everything both good and bad about the humble cover.
[video: electricringo]

Posted by mofgimmers on Friday March 7th, 2008 at 11:11 am

What the hell would we do without the internet, eh? I mean, with no cybertubes I’d need your address to send you this post after writing it on paper, for one thing - and I’m not sure it would be worth the postage cost, to be honest.
Another thing the internet is good for - thanks to coveringthemouse.com - is providing you with a very comprehensive collection of Disney cover versions. They’ve got the lot. “I Wanna Be Like You”, as performed by Los Lobos? And also as performed by Smashmouth? And also as performed by, er, Voodoo Glow Skulls? Got those.
Ah, you’re looking for “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” as covered by punk snots The Vandals? Step right in.
You get the idea. See what else they’ve got by checking out their site.
[via Boing Boing]

Posted by Stuart Waterman on Tuesday February 26th, 2008 at 2:23 pm