song makeovers

You hear a song, it's fabulous. Or it's kinda cool. Then, you hear it again. But this time, it's different. Someone else is singing it. The instrumentation is unlike the original, the pace altered, it's been completely re-worked. That, I believe is when a cover song has the potential of blowing your socks off.

Of course, this isn't always the case. There are exceptions. When the Holly Cole Trio did their version of "Jersey Girl" (by Tom Waits), I was appalled. However, when a song is creatively covered instead of being mere mimicry, it can become iconic in its own right.

This discussion certainly cannot happen without including Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". That particular song has been covered by so many singers. Though, none are as incredibly haunting as Jeff Buckley's rendition. (Yes, K.D. Lang does a rather fabulous version as well.)

Here is Jeff Buckley, with his soulful version of "Hallelujah", (audio only):

Leonard Cohen songs are often covered. And although I'm a big fan of Mr. Cohen, many of his songs are even more beautiful when someone else sings them. "Tonight Will Be Fine" sung by Teddy Thompson, is slower than the original and the ache in his voice is palpable.  I prefer the footage from the rehearsal as seen in the Leonard Cohen documentary "I'm Your Man", but the sound quality was too poor on the Youtube clip available. The live performance is still worth a listen.

So how did I come about writing this blog entry? Why, I came across a cover version of my favourite Bob Dylan song. It's called "One More Cup of Coffee". The person covering it? Jack White. Bloody amazing is what it is!

This is a fan-made video, using footage found in the box set "Under the Great White Northern Lights" from the White Stripes' Canadian tour. (Thank you Kate for pointing that out!)

The White Stripes also cover the song "Jolene", originally written and performed by Dolly Parton. It's another favourite of mine.

David Gray has an excellent album of cover songs called "A Thousand Miles Behind". It's gorgeous, really. I love his original stuff, but he goes somewhere special with this collection. The songs that stand out are "I Tremble for you" by Johnny Cash and the  traditional song "Long Black Veil". Check out the album on his website.

Ah yes, there is Tallest Man on Earth's version of "Graceland". My friend D. introduced me to it - it's so so different from the original. Yet, the simplicity of a man and his guitar just works. I love it. (Audio only).

Then, there's a lovely version of Buddy Holly's "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" by Serena Ryder. (This one's for you Lil'G!) The language is a little dated, but her rendition is spot on.

One singer who often does beautiful cover songs would have to be Sinéad O'Connor. Her voice is mesmerizing in Elton John's song, "Sacrifice". The song is completely transformed.

This here, is an interesting version of Gnarls Barkley's song "Crazy" by Ray Lamontagne, (sorry, it's audio only). It's more restrained than the original, and in a way this heightens the tension.

 

On a final note, here is a great cover of Tom Waits' Ol' 55. It's by Sarah McLachlan of all people. Apparently, it was recorded during a late night jam session after a few bottles of red had been uncorked. There's is a lazy spontaneity to this version. Enjoy!

Serena Ryder is O.K.

Introducing today's guest author,Lil G:

Lil' G is a globetrotter, who divides time between East Canada and West Europe. A part time musician (guitar, drums, and some keys) and hobby photographer, Lil' G loves pop quizzes as much as good food. Lil' G has written articles and columns for several websites, with topics ranging from graphic novels, travel to music and eye candy.

When I visited Ottawa, ON, in 2005 "Just Another Day" was one of the songs playing on the radio. It was a simple song and catchy (not in the annoying way) and I liked it, but I didn’t think much of it. Fast forward to late 2008. I find out about an album called “Is it o.k.” by a young lady called Serena Ryder. The first song I hear off it was “Little bit of red”, and I was instantly hooked. Who was she? Apart from a dozen songs or so, for a while I had no idea what she looked like and I could’ve sworn, just listening to her voice while singing, she’s twice her actual age. Needless to say I got the album, and it was in my CD player for the longest time. (And I do mean months.)

I started plugging her with a few European friends, who took to her instantly. A Haligonian friend of mine dubbed her Melissa (Etheridge) Jr. and I guess she has a good point: if Etheridge is your musical cup of tea, I’m sure you’ll dig Serena Ryder as well. The last time she played Halifax, NS, there was a significant amount of lady loving ladies in the audience, prompting some gay guys to wonder if Serena plays the same side of the fence. Not that it matters to me, as long as she keeps writing great songs people can relate to. The songs on her last album (“Is it o.k.”) are all personal songs - half of them inspired by her best friend and manager of six years’ (Bonnie O’Donnell) passing away.

I’m consciously omitting her slow rise to fame (and the fact she already has two Juno Awards under her belt) since it’s been all over the Canadian press, and I don’t feel like rehashing.

One highlight was when she was approached to do a Bruce Springsteen cover. Serena happily jumped at the opportunity and did her version of “Racing in the street”, which was posted on Springsteen’s official website. How awesome is that!

Serena has been touring extensively throughout Canada and the US since the release of her last album in November 2008 (the US followed a year later) and has been gaining new fans with every performance. And her performances are passionate! Serena’s most recent stint was with Lilith Fair, which is a dream come true. (For those who follow her on Twitter: she posted a goofy picture of her and Tegan and Sara during the tour a while ago.)

Speaking of goofy: she’s posted some pretty funny videos of her riding her suitcase. Those crack me up every time I watch them. Watch one here, and another here. (Yup, I’m nerdy enough to think that’s hilarious.)

Anyway, I digress. If you haven’t heard of Serena Ryder I strongly encourage you to check her out. If you’re a fan of singer/songwriters I strongly encourage you to check her out. If you like women who rock... Indeed: check out her music. Enjoy!