Hand picked jams just for you.
Inspired by Ryan Adams fascinating reinterpretation of Taylor Swifts 1989 album, this week I’ve decided to pick out some of my favorite indie covers.
“Style” – Ryan Adams (originally by Taylor Swift)
Ryan Adams turns Taylor Swift’s sleek, synthy pop track and converts it into brooding disco-rock that amplifies the tension of the original. Easily one of the strongest tracks on Ryan Adams’ version of 1989, “Style” is a gritty vision of an alternate universe.
“Dreams” – Passion Pit (originally by The Cranberries)
This charming and loyal cover of The Cranberries’ classic hit “Dreams” is perfectly suited for the synthesizer sheen of Passion Pit. Imbued with an amplified sense of urgency, Passion Pit’s version of “Dreams” was released as a bonus track on the deluxe reissue of their phenomenal debut record Manners (2009).
“Comfortably Numb” – Scissor Sisters (originally by Pink Floyd)
Perhaps one of the most wildly reimagined covers ever, Scissor Sisters’ disco version of “Comfortably Numb” is a trip. Jake Shears’ falsetto, thumping drum machines and synthesizer blips bring Pink Floyd’s drug fueled epic into the 21st century.
“Stop Me” – Mark Ronson & Daniel Merriweather (originally by The Smiths (kind of))
Part cover of The Smiths’ “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before”, part cover of The Supreme’s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”, this song was my first introduction to super-producer-DJ-extrodonaire Mark Ronson back in 2007. “Stop Me” comes from Mark Ronson’s debut album Versions, which is a collection of up-beat covers featuring guest appearances by Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Santigold.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – Capital Cities (originally by Prince)
Originally written and performed by Prince and then made famous by Sinead O’Connor, “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a legendary. Capital Cities bring their infectious brand of brass & synth pop to this classic and make it entirely their own.
Check back next week for another installment of 5 Tracks ‘Til Friday.
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