I had a crazy idea this week… why not do a five song Friday of nothing but covers?? Mostly, I was scratching my head trying to figure out what songs to post this week, especially since I have been listening to the same things over and over recently. Well, I flashed on the idea of a covers edition, and I thought, why not?? If you guys like it, I may do it again, but for now, let’s get to these fabulous cover songs, shall we?!?!
Adele – Make You Feel My Love
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_adele-makeyoufeelmylove.mp3]
(covering Bob Dylan)
To be totally honest, Adele was part of my decision to go ahead with the cover version of 5SF this week; her record came out FINALLY in the US this week, and I wanted to feature her to celebrate… but… I have featured her twice already, so I didn’t want to do too much. However, since she covers an AMAZING song on her record, I thought that this would be a perfect way to get some more time with Adele in, right? Right!! This cover of the Bob Dylan song is amazing. Garth Brooks also covered it, and his version is equally amazing; check it out if you haven’t heard it. As for Adele, get her CD already… it’s out now!
Whitley – Hyperballad
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_whitley-hyperballad.mp3]
(covering Bjork)
This is one of those songs that I randomly heard of a few months back, and for whatever reason, it sifted into the pile of music that I have been ignoring. Well, when I decided to do a covers week, I pulled this one back out, dusted it off, and low and behold, I LOVE IT!!! The original Bjork version is one of my favorite tracks of hers, and this one puts a totally different, but totally effective spin on it!! I love the acoustic nature that Whitley brings to a song that such a unique artist as Bjork penned. Great cover!
Robyn – Since U Been Gone
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_robyn-sinceubeengone.mp3]
(covering Kelly Clarkson)
Robyn’s super sweet poptastic cover of this song is just brilliant. It turns it from a pop-rock hit to a synth-driven pop anthem. I am not 100%, but this sounds like it may have been recorded live (which I am guessing because of a few minor glitches in the recording). I snagged this gem from Zeon’s fabulous music blog. I have heard a few covers of this fantastically written song before, but this one is my favorite. Robyn is the shit.
Tia Carrere – Ballroom Blitz
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_tiacarrere-ballroomblitz.mp3]
(covering The Sweet)
I FUCKING LOVE THIS SONG. I remember seeing Wayne’s World, and I was totally captivated by Tia Carrere wailing the shit out of this song, and I thought at the time that it was her song. After I found out it was a cover, I was a bit disappointed, because in my opinion, she FAR exceeds the original. Well, after playing Rockband recently with Brody and Aimee, and after playing this track in the game, I had to download this version, because I freaking love it. This is the perfect example of an awesome cover song; it’s better than the original!
The Cardigans – Iron Man
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_cardigans-ironman.mp3]
(covering Black Sabbath)
Now, I couldn’t pass up a chance to shill some love for my favorite band, the Cardigans. This cover of the amazing Black Sabbath song, shows how you can take something in a completely different direction, and still have it work. The sweet saccharine of this version is a STARK contrast to the thrashing guitars and dark vocals from Ozzy in the original track. For me, this song shows one of the many facets of the incredible talent the Cardigans have, and is one of the reasons they continue to be one of my favorites.
BONUS!!!
As a silly bonus this week, I thought I would include the video for the amazing Alanis Morissette’s version of My Humps, originally by the awful Black Eyed Peas. Her version is hilarious, and so much better than the original. The video is awesome too. I wanted to include it because Ms. Morissette had a CD come out this week as well; which has some pretty great, serious songs on it. This video just gets me laughing, because it shows that Alanis has a serious sense of humor!
Well, there you have it, hope you kids have a great weekend. Let me know what you think of this week’s songs!! Also, if you have any covers that you love, let me know about them; they may make future installments!
Here’s the song I mentioned above, that comes from the group I couldn’t stand before today… before seeing those damn itunes commercials featuring Viva La Vida, I literally HATED Coldplay. Seriously. What is it about them that I hate? Perhaps the smugness of Chris Martin, and how it totally comes through in each of the songs that have FLOODED the airwaves for the past several years? (yeah, that’s it!) However, there is no denying that this song is pure genius. I will gladly consider myself a Coldplay fan for this song; it is catchy, brilliant, and begs to be played on repeat. Also, not really related to the song, but a note about one member of the band: Will Champion, the drummer, is smoking HOT. Seriously, I want to have lots of babies with him. Alright, I will stop drooling over Will, and drool over this song, because it too, is hot.
I don’t really like putting two songs by the same artist two weeks in a row (I like to keep things fresh, and mix things up a bit), but there are times when there are two really stand out tracks that just capture my attention, and beg to be shared. This is one of those times. I featured Cyndi’s club banger Into the Nightlife last week, but after giving the whole (pretty decent) record a listen, I stumbled on this fragile ballad near the end of the CD. I must say, that instantly, I got chills. This song is beautiful, gentle, and totally reminds me of some of her amazingly moving hits like True Colors. This song is quintessential Cyndi for me, and it is an amazing track that begs for much deserved attention. Cyndi, you clearly still have it honey, and I couldn’t be more proud of you.
Missy Higgins is one of those artists that most of you may not know about, but you really should. She is big in Australia where she is from, and has recently had a hit with Where I Stood (an emotionally driven amazing ballad that I featured a long time ago back when 5SF was just getting started). Since I got my ears pierced, I have been listening to radio on my computer a bit at work (when my ears hurt too much to continue using the torture devices also known as ear phones), and one site that I have been listening to is Pandora. The basic premise, is you enter an artist you love, and they play stuff that is similar. Well, this was one of the songs that they suggested to me, and it reminded me that I needed to get Missy’s first CD, because of how much I LOVE her most recent release, On a Clear Night. Well, after snagging her first album (that contains this track), I have realized how much I really do love this artist, and I just wanted to get some more out there about her. I am definitely impressed with both of her albums, and consider myself lucky to have found such an amazing artist for my music collection. This is a beautiful song, and is definitely indicative of what you can expect from the amazing Missy Higgins. Also, not to gush too much, but that violin riff is simply amazing. 
It is with sheer excitement that I type these next words: Weezer’s new self titled album, or as it will affectionately be referred to because of previous self titled albums, the Red Album, hits stores on Tuesday. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy, and this song is one of those songs that makes me wonder why so many “fans” gave up on Weezer after Pinkerton. If you aren’t familiar with Weezer’s history, Pinkerton was an amazingly candid and totally honest look into Rivers Coumo’s heart, and as such, it is one of the most beloved records by Weezer’s fans. However, maybe he felt that he said too much, and as such, has not shared as much depth, at that level, since (at least, many would agree that he hasn’t). Well, this song proves to me that Rivers is still the emotive boy that needs love and feels that love enough to put it into song; and proves that those “fans” shouldn’t have given up on this amazing band. I love Weezer, always have, and I am truly excited about the new album; and with tracks like this and the catchy as hell Pork and Beans, why not, right? Weezer is back for all those that thought they left, but those like me know that they never really went anywhere; they were just keeping the emotion in check. 
A few weeks ago, Sarah released Rarities, B-Sides, and Other Stuff Vol. 2, which contained a bunch of songs that I didn’t previously have in my collection. Since getting the CD, I have been reminded of how much I love Sarah McLachlan, as well as how amazingly talented she is. This cover of the Beatles’ Blackbird is so beautiful and tender, that you can’t help but completely love it (at least, I can’t). I have been a huge fan of Ms. McLachlan for years, and looking back on her body of work, I can tell you that I will definitely remain a huge fan for years to come. I can’t wait for the next album.
I posted another song by Brian a few weeks ago, but at that time, I was barely getting into the album, but I liked what I initially heard. After having some more time with the record, I discovered this amazingly beautiful song deeper into the album, and I have been playing it over and over ever since. Seriously, this song is so incredibly beautiful, and sad at the same time. When he says, “you know… I really love you”, you can’t help but believe it. Forgive him Delta!! He’s a keeper! (I think) Delta Goodrem sings backing vocals on the track, which, (if it really is her) makes this another great song that they have collaborated on. This album gets better with each listen, and is definitely far better than his first, in my opinion.
This beautiful ballad comes off of Pink’s 2006 release, I’m Not Dead. I was listening to XM recently, and this song came on, and it reminded me of how great that album really is. This song is definitely one of the best tracks on the record; if not the best one. It was nice to hear this song and be reminded of a record that made my 2006 list, but one that I haven’t listened to in a while. I always love being reminded of something great that doesn’t get enough attention in my music collection.
After such a glowing endorsement of Death Cab’s new record, I found myself hard pressed to find a favorite song out of the lot. I literally love each track on the record, and each have their own nuances that make me like them. However, for whatever reason, this song stands out just enough, that I wanted to include it this week. If you are a fan of Death Cab’s earlier work, I am curious to hear what you think of the new record. I think that it takes elements of Transatlantacism, and builds on them; without abandoning their trademark Death Cab sound. Perhaps that is why I fell instantly in love with the record (well, that, and the fact that it is simply an amazing album)… either way, let me know what you think, Death Cab fans, won’t you?
Finally, another song that has fire in the title!! That wasn’t a conscious choice. I have been listening to Augustana’s most recent release, and I find myself enjoying it MUCH more than their debut. Perhaps I was put off by their first single (which I was), but I have had more enjoyment with their new record. There are a few ballad-y type songs that stand out to me, and this one just screams at me. I love how his voice waivers when he gets to the chorus, showing some emotion that was strong enough to prevent it from being smoothed out during production. Sometimes it is small flaws that really make something worth listening to. Also, the note that he holds at the end of the song is impressive. 
On a completely different note (no pun intended), I have been listened to the new Death Cab for Cutie album, 
NON-STOP since I got it yesterday. I don’t know why, but this album gelled with me instantly, and I love each and every song. It is a LITTLE different from the last album, Plans, but I feel a lot of what they were doing on Transatlantacism coming through on this new record. As always, Ben Gibbard’s sweet and endearing voice takes you through each track, weaving a journey of stories, all set to incredible music. So many of his “one liners” really get me, like when he simply, and heart wrenchingly states that “you can do better than me, but I can’t do better than you”. That is the shit that I swoon over, seriously. I have not found one song on this record that I have any negative thoughts about; even the 8 minute “I Will Possess Your Heart” has truly grown on me. I think it was brilliant of them to release it as a single, as it really got me ready for this record. Narrow Stairs is another amazing record from one of my favorite bands, and a record that is sure to make my year end list. This record reminded me of something awesome; records like Narrow Stairs are the reason I can still get excited about going out and buying CDs. This album gets an enthusiastic 5 stars 
from this blogger… do yourself a favor and pick it up! 
First of all, I was very nervous about listening to this record when it leaked, because of how much I have been enjoying the hit Leavin’ (seriously… I have been playing it on repeat I love it so much). However, I have been pleasantly surprised by Mr. McCartney, because minus two songs, his album is actually a pretty brilliant pop record. The songs are catchy, with great beats, and most of them are really great pop songs that could be singles of their own. This song stands out, because of how melodic and beautiful it is. In the beginning, it reminds me a lot of Will Young, but then builds into a great ballad that McCartney can call his own. I really like what he did with this record, and will not be surprised if he has some success with it; it is a really good pop effort from the former teen star.
This is one of those songs that I discovered from one of my favorite shows, Felicity, because it was featured many times during tender moments on the show. I have to say, that this song reeled me in a way that few can, and it still remains one of my favorite songs of all time. This is one of those songs that I can bet, that if life had a soundtrack, it would be somewhere on it. There are so many moments that this song would be totally appropriate if it were playing in the background; which is probably why they used it so much on the show. This is my “blast from the past” song this week, and it is a song that I am glad to have “rediscovered”, as I love it so much. Fantastic songs like this don’t come around that often, and when they do, I tend to cling to them… and this is one that I could never let go of.
This record really surprised me. I heard the song “Until You”, and thought that it was pretty good. I even bought the album from iTunes, because it was only $5.99, and figured that I would listen to it a few times, because I liked what I heard. What I didn’t think, was that I would really enjoy this album as much as I have. Dave Barnes is a lot like John McLaughlin mixed with Marc Broussard. The result is pretty damn good. This piano-driven rock is totally the stuff I swoon over, and this ballad is no different. His emotion comes through in the vocals, and totally has me weak in the knees. Great song, from a great album. I am glad that I discovered him.
Finally today, I wanted to come back around to Mimi, because I have surprisingly been enjoying her most recent album, E=MC2 A LOT. I am continually surprised by how much I like it, because it isn’t my usual fair when it comes to the type of music I generally like (way more RnB and way more hip hop than I usually go for). However, I have to hand it to Mariah, she has truly proven herself to be a real, tried and true diva, and with this record, I will bet that she gains tons of fans; it is fantastic. This song is my favorite from the record, and is one that I find myself skipping to over and over. I can practically guarantee, that if Mariah decides to release this as a single, that it will kill the charts. This song is fucking pure gold. Mariah, get your Grammy acceptance speech ready, sweetie; I see more statues in your future!
I have found it; today, I had the best green tea frozen yogurt I have ever tasted. After lunch at Doc Chey’s, my buddy Deb and I wandered over the