Dienstag, 17. Jan 2006, 12:58
This idea was sparked by huddyhippo's recent journal entries on cover songs. However, my attention span is too short to track down covers with a central idea in mind, so these are basically just random ones that I like a whole lot. This will also probably be centered around a few main artists, as I'm not very exposed to a ton of covers. Anyway, here we go!
Tori Amos - "Strange Fruit" - The lyrics to this song are already so disturbing and Tori makes it sound even creepier. Her vocals are really raw here and you can just hear the emotion. I can't listen to this often because of the content but it is a really amazing version of the song. (Original: Billie Holiday)
Tori Amos - "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - I do not like or listen to Nirvana so this cover works really well for me. This is basically the classic Tori cover and a good one at that. (Original: Nirvana)
The Dresden Dolls - "War Pigs" - The Dolls seriously own this song. The piano is incredible, the percussion is incredible, the vocals are incredible. This is just so full of raw emotion and it has evolved into as much of a staple at their live shows as say, "Coin-Operated Boy". This is one of the highlights on their Paradise DVD for me and so is… (Original: Black Sabbath)
The Dresden Dolls - "Pierre" - Amanda and Brian put so much life and character into this song. I love this cover because it's just extremely playful and fun. Brian's parts are hilarious, as they also are in… (Original: Carole King)
The Dresden Dolls - "…Baby One More Time" - Okay, hearing this cover is great, but you know what's even better? Go to dresdendolls.com, find the video section, download the Halloween Medley video, and enjoy. The Dolls dressed as Britney is great. There was a time when my sister and I would watch that video every day. (Original: Britney Spears)
Fiona Apple - "Across the Universe" - This was one of the first Fiona songs I ever heard and still remains a favorite now. Not many people can cover the Beatles and get away with it flawlessly. Fiona does. Plus, the video for this is amazing. It was the first video she shot with Paul Thomas Anderson and all of their work together is great. (Original: The Beatles)
Fiona Apple - "Sitting in Limbo" - Fiona covered this song during her first tour back in 96-97. I haven't heard this one for awhile, so I'll have to dig it up later, but it's awesome. Fiona's vocals fit it perfectly. (Original: Jimmy Cliff)
Sarah Slean - "Climbing Up the Walls" - Again, I don't enjoy the original artist that much, but I really like this cover. It's really creepy and atmospheric. Good stuff. (Original: Radiohead)
Christina Aguilera - "At Last" - I realize she doesn't fit in with the rest of the list, but I absolutely adore her version of this song. For once, her tendency to oversing actually works. The last note which she holds for like 30 seconds is amazing. (Original: Etta James)
That's all for now. Maybe there'll be a part two in the future. Who knows?