As Long As You Don't Do Freebird
The words “cover song” typically cause an automatic negative reaction in me. I feel like Blaine Edwards in Men on Film with my constant, “hated it” response (yes, I am dating myself with that one, but go look it up kids–you won’t be disappointed). But lately, I’ve noticed a handful of artists have been much more thoughtful in their choices of songs to cover. I’ve actually begun to dig around in search of covers in order to fill this new niche in my rotation. The first song that started me down this path was hearing Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver fame) on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon do an amazing cover/mash up of Bonnie Raitt’s I Can’t Make You Love Me and Donny Hathaway’s A Song For You. It’s haunting and beautiful and a must listen. And if you are a fan of Bon Iver, do yourself a favor and go listen to Peter Gabriel do a version of Flume.
Another cover that I have noticed popping up all over the place is Jeff Tweedy doing two Black Eyed Peas songs. Admittedly, these songs aren’t even in the same category as Vernon’s, but I am a huge sucker for Tweedy so, of course, I enjoy seeing him do his best Fergie impression. Hearing My Humps won’t change your life, but it’s fun and entertaining and worth a listen.
And I’ll leave you with my favorite cover of all time. It has remained at the top of my list despite the numerous times it has failed to impress on American Idol. Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah will forever remain one of the best cover songs of all time. The imagery in the song and the passion with which Buckley sings just fit together; he is perfectly suited to sing this song. This song is also a reminder of why the cover can fail miserably (a quick search for the song on YouTube will give you plenty of versions), but also shows when done the right way, a cover can stand on its own two feet and be a unique and remarkable piece of music.
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