Best of 2011: Cover Songs

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Well, well, well. And on we go.

To continue the grandness that is 2011, we are now moving onto the Best Cover Songs. This is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, as it has become one of my life long passions to collect the cream of the crop of cover songs. Here is my collection of fantastic 2011 cover song gems.

1. “Hello” – Lissie (Lionel Richie)

Taking a song that is basically a joke now a days and honestly making it amazing, is a feat within itself. Singing it like this, is heartbreaking.

2. “I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick Of Time” – Bon Iver (Bonnie Raitt) 

Taking a song I genuinely love, and making into something that is so unique and special, and yet not ruining the soul of the song is everything this cover achieves.

3. “American Wedding” – Frank Ocean (The Eagles) 

This is not so much a cover as it a regimentation. But, if you listen to it, you will understand how fantastic, and creative Frank Ocean is.

4. “Hospital Beds” – Florence + the Machine (Cold War Kids) 

The Original song here is one of my all time favorites. So, logically I should hate the cover right? I wish. It would make things so much easier.

5. “Million Dollar Bill” – Dawes/Middle Brother 

I do not know who had this song first. Dawes or Middle Brother, so I have posted both for your enjoyment. Middle Brother is a side project of a couple of the guys of Dawes, it appears on their record first, but the live recordings of the song are out there for Dawes first, so it's a toss up. We all win.

6. “Losing My Religion” – Dia Frampton (R.E.M) 

This is the one and only time you will see me posting a music clip from a reality show on this blog. I am adamantly against it. Don't get me wrong, I watch them all, but I cannot say, ever, that the songs are worth sharing on a regular basis. However, this song by Dia Frampton from The Voice is so incredible, it needs to be included here.

7. “Pursuit of Happiness” by Lissie (Kid Cudi) 

Lissie is on a roll, and she has one more chance to impress you below in the honorable mention.

8. “Oh Boy!” – She & Him (Buddy Holly)

There was a release this year where some of the biggest names in tunes rerecorded Buddy Holly songs. The album is eh, but there are two tracks worth a share, and here is the first.

9. “Your Song” – Ellie Goulding (Elton John) 

Another song that has become somewhat of a joke, that gets new life.

10. “You’re the One That I Want” – Angus & Julia Stone (Olivia Newton John and John Travolta) 

Sometimes I listen to this song and love it, other times, it kills me. But, I think I like it more often than I hate it, so it makes the list.

11. “Lovesong” – Adele (The Cure) 

This song is so Adele I didn't realize it was a cover until someone pointed it out to me. It is a cover song that I honsetly full-out love better than the original.

12. “Dearest” – The Black Keys (Buddy Holly)

The other Buddy Holly cover that deserves mention. The Black Keys can do very little wrong.

13. “Hiding My Heart” – Adele (Brandi Carlile) 

Adele is having a good ass year. She is everywhere and she constantly takes other peoples songs and makes them her own. This Brandi Carlile song is great on its own, but Adele made it special.

Honorable Mention
“Bad Romance” – Lissie (Lady Gaga)

"I Can't Make You Love Me/Nick Of Time" by Bon Iver (Bonnie Raitt Cover)

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The next list I am doing for the best of the year is my collection of the Best Cover Songs. I thought, I'd use today's song of the day as a teaser for whats to come.

Bon Iver channeling Bonnie Raitt. This is why I love cover songs.

"I Can't Make You Love Me/Nick Of Time" by Bon Iver (Bonnie Raitt Cover)

Song of the Day: "American Wedding" by Frank Ocean

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You can Cover a song. You can Sample a song, You can Rearrange a song. You can make it all your own. Or, if you're Frank Ocean, you can do it all in one song.

I would never ever be ballsy enough, to take such an iconic song and flip it on its head, knowing it'd certainly fail. But, I am glad I am not Frank Ocean, because where I would fail to even try, he succeeds beyond measure. Listen to it once to get the feel for what he is able to pull off, and then listen a second time to hear and feel the lyrics. It is just a great song on its own, made better by the backing track.

If you have not heard of Frank Ocean, undoubtedly, your life is missing out. He released a free Mixtape "Nostalgia, Ultra" earlier this year, that came out of nowhere and became the best R&B album of '11. If you like R&B, hell, if you like music, this record needs to be in your collection. You can download it here.

"American Wedding" by Frank Ocean

Song of the Day: "Hospital Beds" by Florence + The Machine (Cold War Kids Cover)

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Sorry I have not been blogging as of lately people. I cracked the screen on my laptop and it is very frustrating to try and write around the purple gashes. But, this is a song that is worth that frustration.
I love Cold War Kids. I love Cover Songs. Those who know me, or read this blog, know these two facts all too well. So when I heard the Florence + The Machine cover of CWK's "Hospital Beds," I bout pissed myself.

"Hospital Beds" by Florence + The Machine (Cold War Kids Cover)

Song of the Day: "Behavior" by Amanda Palmer

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I am still finding gems off the Terrible Thrills Vol. 1, Steel Train cover songs release. This one is by Amanda Palmer. It turns a song on its ear. I even really love the extra creepy voice at the end.

But, all in all, it is a beautiful rendition that a whole album could be built around.

"Behavior" by Amanda Palmer

Song of the Day: "Ring of Fire" by Jack Savoretti

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So I found this song a while back when watching one of my all time favorite shows Greek. It is a fantastic cover of a fantastic song. It wasn't online, so I uploaded it to YouTube. Out of my small video collection, it quickly became my biggest hit. I meant to post it at that time on the blog, but got all distracted and forgot. Anyways. I hope you enjoy!

"Ring Of Fire" by Jack Savoretti

Song of the Day: "Baby Don't Go" by Dum Dum Girls

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So I have been trying to find a usable clip for this song for months now. I have loved this song since I got the containing album, but have held off posting it due to my pure hatred of all things slideshow. But, it's been stuck in my head all day, so I figure sharing it, no matter how crap the video, is going to help.

OH! and apparently its ANOTHER cover song, this time it's an old Sonny and Cher song. I did not know that until like 4 mins ago. Awesome.

"Baby Don't Go" by Dum Dum Girls

Song of the Day: "Billie Jean" by The Civil Wars

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I don't know what it is with me and cover songs lately, but this is one that I love.

I love when a song is a match lyric for lyric, but means something completely different than the original.

It's hard to describe, but the words just fall off their lips with sadness and longing that is not in its predecessor. Don't get me wrong, MJ's version is not a happy song, but its just different. I donno. Juslisin.

"Billie Jean" by The Civil Wars

Song of the Day: "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele

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I don't know if its because the winter chill has finally started to roll in, but I have been going back to those sad/warm/wrapped up in a blanket kind of music this weekend. And this is one that I have turned to several times.

It's not often a cover out shines the original, but I think she has made Bob Dylan proud.

"Make You Feel My Love" by Adele

Song of the Day: "Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers Cover)" by Idiot Glee

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Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I have been packing for a move, and just didn't have the energy to scour for tunes.

I do not know a whole lot about this band. I know that they are on Moshi Moshi records in the UK, and with my annual membership I got an advanced copy of their single release, and it's pretty alright. This song is not on it, it is a live cover that I found while lazily trying to learn about the band. I stopped learning as soon as I hit play tho, so, all that was gained was a good tune and a hell of a cover to add to my collection. Enjoy

"Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers Cover)" by Idiot Glee

Idiot Glee - "Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers)" from Ian Perlman on Vimeo.

Wanted to share. Great Cover Songs....

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OK, so this is not a list, a song of the day, or even a random fact. But it is something I am COMPELLED to share with you. I collect cover songs. Like a nerd with stamps, I hoard them, A&E has express interest in my disorder. But, I have found the motherload. There is this band called Wakey!Wakey! (don't let the name stop you) that is putting out amazing music. But they have a whole, FREE, album of great covers. I have embedded the whole album, thanks to ((Family Records)), below. You can also go to the page and download it directly. I really, REALLY recommend hearing his version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" all sad and slow.

Also, FYI, Wakey!Wakey! has a new studio release out, infact its their first full length, called Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said The Last Time I Saw You... That is beyond spectacular. Front runner for best of the year. So far....

Bakers Dozen x2: Best Cover Songs

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Wow, it is funny how more motivated I am to blog when I am actually busy and strapped for time. Now that I am between jobs, and full of free time, I have been literally staring at the screen scratching my head, forgetting how to do the keyboard tango, and struggling to draw words together to express the list idea I have ingrained into the inside of my eyelids. But, I will push through, for my avid reader.

This is a list of my favorite Cover songs of all time. There are a couple type of songs I am going to try and avoid. I do not want to use a song if I became bigger or more recognizable than the original. So, no "All Along The Watchtower" or "With a Little Help From My Friends" and so on. However, a couple times, I have blatantly ignored this rule for my own gain. I will try to include some thoughts on songs 1-13 for sure and sporadically for songs 14-26. I will include links for all songs (click on title of song) or videos where applicable.

1. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Leonard Cohen)
This is one of the rule breakers. One of the best songs ever recorded, and very high up on my top song of all time, which you can find by clicking on one of the labels to the left.

2. Romeo & Juliet – Matt Nathanson (Dire Straits)
So, the Youtube clip I attached is nothing special to watch, but is something special to listen too. I chose it intentionally, it is the exact version that I fell in love with. Great song. Check it.

3. Tracks Of My Tears – Mary Beth (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles)
To hear this beautiful song you will need to click the link and hit the play button in the top right hand corner. But, anyways, on to the song. This song holds a special place for me. And my blog co-writer can attest, this was one of my first endeavors into the world of film, as she starred in my music video to this song for my brief stay in film school. It is a simple, beautiful song by a woman who never gained any of the attention I expected her too. And, she will make another appearance shortly.

4. Hit Me Baby One More Time – Travis (Britney Spears)
This was one of the Napster gems that swept the world almost by fluke. It shows you how well crafted of a song Britney was working with. This could honestly be their song, and a hit, had they released it first.

5. Wild Horses – Jewel (The Rolling Stones)
There are some reports out there that this is not Jewel. There is no doubt in my mind that it is. I know her speaking voice very well, and I had such a huge crush on her and her snaggle tooth that I have her singing voice forever in my psyche. Listen and judge for yourself.

6. Where Did You Sleep Last Night – Nirvana (Leadbelly)
This is kinda a shitty version of the famous "Unplugged" session, however, it is undeniable, this is an amazing song. Again, this kind of breaks the better know than the original rule, but screw you for calling me out on it.

7. Hey Ya – Matt Weddle of Obadiah Parker (Outcast)

One of the most creative covers I have come across. Again, it speaks volume of the song writer(s) because this song is just as strong in this incarnation.

8. Get The Party Started – Lisa Hannigan & Damien Rice (Pink)
This is along the same lines as the Outcast cover from above. Brilliant. Subtle.

9. Wonderwall – Ryan Adams (Oasis)
Take a song that iconically belongs to a band, rework it, slow it down, sadden it up, and make it better. That is both the risk and achievement that Ryan Adams stumbled into with this piece of magic.

10. Daydream Believer – Mary Beth (The Monkees)
Again, for whatever reason, youtube does not have Mary Beth vids, so, hit play in the top right corner. Easily one of the most drastic reworkings of a song on this list. This upbeat, party song by The Monkees is now completely melancholy. If there is any track on this list you should listen too, it is this one.

11. Across The Universe – Fiona Apple (The Beatles)

I had to include the music video for this song. It is one of the lesser known Beatles songs, however, it became one of my favorites because of this Fiona version. Made for "The Pleasantville" Soundtrack, this video is beautiful.

12. (tie) Crazy – Ray LaMontagne (Gnarls Barkley)
Another example of great song writing.

12. (tie) To Love Somebody - Damien Rice & Ray Lamontagne (The Bee Gees)

Ok, so with this tie, there is actually 27 songs, but, honestly, this song could be as high as number 5. I forgot about it until I was almost ready to hit "Publish Post." This song has been featured as a video on my myspace for over a year, and it slipped my mind. I am an idiot.

13. Cry Me A River – Glen Hansard (Justin Timberlake)
This is another song that I could not find a good version of on youtube, so you will have to find and hit play. But I encourage you to do so. Glen will show up on here again, keep an eye out.

14. Mad World – Gary Jules (Tears For Fears)

Ok, so I know I said I would limit most of my commentary to the top 13 songs, but this video is AMAZING. Never saw it before today.

15. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Tori Amos (Nirvana)

16. Time After Time – Matchbox 20 (Cyndi Lauper)
This was another product of the Napster generation. Great version of this song.

17. I Will Survive – Cake (Gloria Gaynor)

18. Home – Kelly Clarkson (Marc Broussard)
One of my favorite songs of all time by Marc Broussard, and Kelly can sing it very respectably.

19. Since U Been Gone – Ted Leo (Kelly Clarkson)

20. Everytime – Glen Hansard & Colm MacIomarie (Britney Spears)
Britney makes another appearance on this list along with Glen's second of three visits. I hated this song when it came out. Glen makes it something else. I discovered this gem on a series called "Even Better Than The Real Thing Vol. I & II." It is also where I stumbled across the Lisa Hannigian's cover of Pink, Glen's Cover of JT, and Paddy Casey's Cover of Blackstreet (coming up). If you like covers, it is a great place to find some unusual ones.

21. Into The Mystic – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova (Van Morrison)

Very close to the original version, but still very good. And I have to include it, just because I love this duo.

22. Leaving On A Jet Plane - Chantal Kreviazuk's (John Denver)

23. No Diggity – Paddy Casey (Blackstreet)
You will have to move forward to the 2:10 mark on the video to hear the actual cover, long lead in called Grandma's hands. But this is a good, funky, 70's like, gospel inspired version of this one hit wonder from the 90's. Check it out.

24. Sea Of Love – Cat Power (Phil Phillips [and many many others])

25. Last Kiss – Pearl Jam (Wayne Cochran & the C.C. Riders)

26. Free Fallin - John Mayer (Tom Petty)