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!

tom's the man

I'm not sure where to start with this one. It's vast, it's wide.

Tom Waits has a special place in my heart. We have a history. (I became a faithful fan in the early 90's, and still am.) You know how at different times in your life, different music affects you? Whenever you hear it later on, it brings you back to that time? Well, Tom has been a constant. I never get sick of him. His music permeates my life.Yes, I'm a complete nerd and I'm proud.

It was not, however, love at first sight (hear). The first time I was made aware of Tom Waits, was in theatre school. My close friend S. was and is a huge fan. The year was 1994. If you are at all familiar with Mr. Waits' discography,  Bone Machine was released in 1992. Two years later, S. would play the album in our set design classroom. (We spent many, many hours drafting in that room.) I couldn't stand the wrenching music and discordant sounds that came out of the player.  Lucky for me, S. didn't give up easily. He insisted I first needed to hear his early stuff, build up to the more experimental fare that Waits likes to offer.

It was Summer, I was sitting in S.'s truck. He put the cassette tape Asylum Years in the player. The first song I heard was "Jersey Girl", (originally from the Heartattack and Vine album). I was won over. That's all it took.

Here's another oldie, a true gem:


I did end up liking Bone Machine (in small doses), especially the tracks "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" and "Black Wings". The expanse of Tom Waits style allows for much enjoyment, even if some of his music doesn't speak to you. I have made it my mission to introduce people to his genius. He's clever, he tells a good story. His persona is fascinating, and he's actually very funny. He likes exploring the underside of society, he's also not afraid to express emotions like love, empathy... heartbreak. Yet he's still "cool".

Most of his fans want to be Tom.
Even me.



Tom Waits' discography is huge... He's a very prolific singer/songwriter, and he's been around for a while. To learn more about him, check out his official website: http://www.tomwaits.com/.