I decided to post a few cover songs today. I usually have a big hang up when it comes to cover songs. More often than not they suck big time. Well I am happy to announce that these covers are better than the originals.
Neko Case has recently become one of my favorite female singers. She has that alt country twang that I love and her voice is so soothing. I know I just said that these are better than the originals but when it comes to this song it's a toss up between her and Tom Waits. You get the beautiful voice with Neko, or if you want the gritty version I would suggest checking out Mr. Waits. I have to admit I am partial to this one just by a smidgen.
Neko Case - Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis (Tom Waits Cover)(no longer available)
This song has some of the greatest lyrics I have ever heard. Of course it was sung by the Man In Black himself Johnny Cash. The original is pretty tame but with this one you might end up doing a back bend if it got anymore laid back. I love to listen to this while falling asleep or when life gets really hectic.
The Mammals - A Satisfied Mind (Johnny Cash Cover) No Longer Avaliable, But This Is)
For the longest time I thought this was an original song by the Dismemberment Plan. Until one day I was at work and we were listening to the 80's muzack station. I heard this typical lame music you'd expect from the 80's dance music and then I heard this girl sing and it's just a little crush. My jaw dropped to the floor when I went home that night and found out it was a danceable hit. Needless to say this version is not danceable. In fact it has a creepy dark air too it that totally changes the tone from the original. It was a little scary the first time I heard it but I absolutely loved it.
The Dismemberment Plan - Crush (Jennifer Paige Cover)
If I ever decided to be in a gang it would be one that didn't use guns or sell drugs. We wouldn't bang or flash gang signs or tag. We'd always roll at least three deep and be as thick as thieves and have a bond like brothers. The neighborhood would know who we were because we would be the ones to go to if any shit went down. Fear wouldn't be a tactic, but respect would be held high. We would raise our young tough as nails but with a heart of gold. If you cross our path we WILL fuck you up in a split second. Bottles and chains, brass knuckles and short fuses. We would embrace everyone but never tolerate being walked on. On Saturday nights night we would drink whiskey in back alleys and curse at the moon. On Sundays we would drag ourselves to church, have cookouts, drink beer and reminisce about dead friends and glory days. You may recognize this song from The Departed.
Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston
I first heard this song as a sample in the equally awesome "Brooklyn We Go Hard" with Jay-Z. I remember seeing albums by Santogold all the time at the stores. I remember I picked up the CD in the store and I looked at it for two seconds and then just wrote it off as another "emo" band that is trying to be the next Arcade Fire. I was way off on that one. Santogold is hip hop and she fuses every style into her songs. This little number is full of reggae goodness and hip hop hardness. Further proof that there are talented female rappers other than Lauryn Hill.
Santigold - Shove It
