A Selection of my Favourite Covers – Part #1
“Read
My Mind” (The Killers) – Performed by Van McCann of Catfish and the Bottlemen
Picture the scene. It’s 2016 and a 19-year-old me is trying to show off to a girl. I had come across this cover on Twitter, and recalling her love for Van McCann, shared it with her instantly (without actually sampling it myself). It was only when, some-time later, she referenced a specific line and was met with a blank look from yours truly, that I realised I should maybe have listened to it first! Thankfully I was saved from embarrassment as the flamboyant frontman delivers an exquisite rendition of this Killers hit.
I feel Van McCann particularly excels in an acoustic setting, and this cover affords him the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents, both vocally and musically. He successfully pays homage to the original track, whilst simultaneously introducing his own unique style and quirks, most notably the unexpected inclusion of R. Kelly’s “Ignition” to round off the cover. It has remained a favourite of mine and I often share it with anyone who will listen!
I feel Van McCann particularly excels in an acoustic setting, and this cover affords him the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents, both vocally and musically. He successfully pays homage to the original track, whilst simultaneously introducing his own unique style and quirks, most notably the unexpected inclusion of R. Kelly’s “Ignition” to round off the cover. It has remained a favourite of mine and I often share it with anyone who will listen!
“Insane in the Membrane”
(Cypress Hill) – Performed by Kasabian
A classic 90s hip hop track. A rock band from Leicester. Perhaps not an obvious combination but in true Kasabian fashion they somehow pull it off spectacularly! Owing to my general indifference for Hip Hop, I originally never gave this cover a proper chance. Often, whilst scrolling through “Triple J’s” vast and infamous catalogue of covers, I would skip it or instead opt for something I knew I enjoyed. Big mistake!
This track posed an undoubtable challenge to cover but once again, Serge Pizzorno’s dauntless attitude towards music and ability to think outside box has provided another excellent piece of work. He possesses immense flair for musical arrangement and his genius undoubtably allows those around him to flourish. It will be intriguing to see the direction the band take following the departure of Tom Meighan, but with an eccentric genius like Serge at the helm, I feel quite sure we haven’t seen the end of Kasabian!
This track posed an undoubtable challenge to cover but once again, Serge Pizzorno’s dauntless attitude towards music and ability to think outside box has provided another excellent piece of work. He possesses immense flair for musical arrangement and his genius undoubtably allows those around him to flourish. It will be intriguing to see the direction the band take following the departure of Tom Meighan, but with an eccentric genius like Serge at the helm, I feel quite sure we haven’t seen the end of Kasabian!
“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” (Tame
Impala) – Performed by Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys
Describing Alex Turner as a “polarising figure” is perhaps somewhat of an understatement. The Arctic Monkeys frontman is both adored and despised in equal measure, but in my eyes, the man is an unequivocal genius. He has performed a number of excellent covers, both alone, and with the band – however his rendition of Tame Impala’s psychedelic “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” is a particular favourite of mine.
Dressed like an extra from the set of Grease, complete with Danny Zuko haircut, Turner delivers a powerful stripped back version of this brilliant track. He really makes the song his own, bringing his deep vocals which provide an interesting juxtaposition when compared to Kevin Parker’s original singing style. Additionally, whilst the song is quite simple musically, Turner still strums away in his typically gifted way. He possesses that annoying level of talent that makes it look it requires no effort. Can you tell I’m jealous of this man?
Dressed like an extra from the set of Grease, complete with Danny Zuko haircut, Turner delivers a powerful stripped back version of this brilliant track. He really makes the song his own, bringing his deep vocals which provide an interesting juxtaposition when compared to Kevin Parker’s original singing style. Additionally, whilst the song is quite simple musically, Turner still strums away in his typically gifted way. He possesses that annoying level of talent that makes it look it requires no effort. Can you tell I’m jealous of this man?
I am
the Walrus (The Beatles) – Performed by Oasis
Covering the greatest band of all time is no mean feat. But if anyone could pull it off, it would be Oasis. It’s no secret that the Gallagher brothers adore The Beatles. Liam is particularly obsessive over John Lennon, not only attempting to imitate his singing style, but naming his son after the legendary musician. “I am the Walrus” is one of Lennon’s finest songs (if a little whacky) and in true Oasis style, they give it a real 90s Rock n Roll makeover.
I love The Beatles and they are probably my favourite band of all time, but on this occasion, I think Oasis outdo them! Courtesy of some cunning musicianship masterminded by Noel, they take what is already a brilliant song, to another level completely. Liam’s voice is in its absolute prime. The band is on fire. Just when you think it can’t get much better, Noel breaks out an earth-shattering, 4-minute-long solo, showing the world why there was some justification to their own claims of being the “biggest band in the world”. Outrageous talent.
Don’t Look Back in Anger (Oasis) – Performed
by Kyle Falconer of The View
Kyle Falconer often cites The Beatles and Oasis as his two favourite bands, with both having had huge influence on his musical career, so it seems only natural that he features next! Both Kyle and The View have covered numerous artists, ranging from The Libertines to Fleetwood Mac and even Adele. However, his rendition of Don’t Look Back in Anger takes top spot for me.
The View are another of my favourite bands and I absolutely love Kyle. He has an amazing range of vocals and it always feels like he’s singing from the heart. Add to that mix a dash of Scottish charm and the result is a unique, talented, frontman. Generally agreed to be one of Noel Gallagher’s finest pieces of songwriting, Don’t Look Back in Anger is unsurprisingly one of the most covered songs ever. Despite this, Kyle Falconer does his idol proud and shows off his immense talent. I really miss The View and hope we are treated to some new music from them soon!
The View are another of my favourite bands and I absolutely love Kyle. He has an amazing range of vocals and it always feels like he’s singing from the heart. Add to that mix a dash of Scottish charm and the result is a unique, talented, frontman. Generally agreed to be one of Noel Gallagher’s finest pieces of songwriting, Don’t Look Back in Anger is unsurprisingly one of the most covered songs ever. Despite this, Kyle Falconer does his idol proud and shows off his immense talent. I really miss The View and hope we are treated to some new music from them soon!
This is just a small selection of my favourite
covers, so much so that a part 2 will undoubtably follow soon!
Thanks for reading and I hope you discovered some
new music,
Andrew x
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