Friday, May 16, 2008

In Appreciation of the Cover Song





Arguments can be made for what makes a great cover song, but I would suggest that the best kind of cover is one in which a band steps outside of their comfort zone in the selection of the song and they subsequently make it their own. It really speaks to both the quality of the song and the versatility of the band taking on the challenge. Submitted for your approval in this category is "Heart it Races," originally by Australian band Architecture in Helsinki, and covered here by Dr. Dog.

The Architecture version is everything that you might expect from them: upbeat, full of dense instrumentation, and very poppy. Somehow, Dr. Dog, who are typically known for a 60's-ish, harmony-heavy, throwback sound, add their own elements to the song (while keeping most of the endearing qualities of the original record). I was lucky enough to catch both bands live last year, and I'd highly recommend checking them both out, and catching each unique take on this song. You can buy both versions and more on Architecture in Helsinki's Heart it Races EP, available right here.

Mp3: Dr. Dog - Heart it Races
Mp3: Architecture in Helsinki - Heart it Races
Video: Architecture in Helsinki - Heart it Races (you really must check this out)

Thursday, May 01, 2008

A Mini Road Trip Mix




So this weekend I'm out of town at a graduation and then at the Tampa Radiohead show, and it got me thinking that I'm in need of a new mix cd for traveling. Although I can't fit everything on my server, I can fit a mini version. While certainly not a full mix cd, I'm willing to go ahead and call it a mix EP. Below, four tracks from the "May 08: Dear Volvo, Please Do Not Break Down. Your Friend, Adam" mix EP, assembled by me.

Cross your fingers for me that I am able to gather myself enough to drive back after seeing my favorite band of all time from a mere 15 rows back.

...and since I'll be gone for about a week:
Mp3: George Costanza - Believe it or Not

Mix EP:

Mp3: Stephen Malkmus - Phantasies
Mp3: Little Ones - Lovers Who Uncover
Mp3: The White Stripes - I Think I Smell a Rat
Mp3: Pixies - Dig for Fire