Oops!...They did it again.

Discovering that your favourite song has been covered can be one of those disastrous moments. I’m talking the Kevin McCallister kind of reaction. Ok, I’m being slightly dramatic but that’s what you want to do. Unfortunately, the charts have been awash with crucified cover versions, with an abundance of them coming from The X Factor alumni, the most recent being from Marcus Collins with the reworked ‘Seven Nation Army.’ Being aware that this is a White Stripes classic, I listened with some trepidation. It’s aeons away from the original and that’s what a cover should be, but then I discovered that it was a cover of a cover; an emulation of Ben L’Oncle Soul’s take on it. Bad move Marcus - you should’ve put your own stamp on it instead of churning out someone else’s take on it.

Covers may be met with hostility and a grumble, but in a way aren't they advantageous by opening them up to a new listener ship? Just look at Glee who snatch up iconic tracks or ones that have been played to their death, quicker than a Malteser in a box of Celebrations. They may be annoying but they surely reach a vast audience. Even now, as I hear the opening ‘da da da da’ to Don’t Stop Believing, I get a headache as it’s emblazoned in my ear drums from the persistent airplay. Here’s a batch of artists who've revitalised and enhanced an original.

                                                          5. Lenka – Jump In The Pool

Originally by Friendly Fires

Lenka’s velveteen voice acts as a soothing symphony, flowing with nonchalant ease. She’s even mastered the art of articulating her words correctly too, unlike the original where it sounds oddly as if you’re being ordered to ‘Jump in the Poo.’ This is lovely and the twinkling of the Xylophone evokes an uncontrollable shifting of the head.

4. Johnny Cash – Hurt

Originally by Nine Inch Nails

 As the legendary Cash croaks; “What have I become my sweetest friend/ everyone I know goes away in the end”, you can hear the wavering emotion that seeps through the track.   It’s the accompanying video that is just as affecting, with clips acting as a montage to his life; slashing at the heartstrings rather than tugging on them. 

3. The Futureheads – Hounds of Love

Originally by Kate Bush

It was back in 2004 when we were exposed to the sound of Sunderland’s finest interpretation of Hounds Of Love. It’s probably considered sacrilege by many Kate Bush purists that anyone could even consider this to surpass the original, although it only takes a few seconds to confirm this. It’s punchier and the a capella ‘oh oh oh’ to start rockets this upbeat rendition off into another realm.

2. David’s Lyre – We Found Love

Originally by Calvin Harris ft Rihanna

It’s almost an impossible mission to choose one cover amongst the plethora that Paul Dixon, the man behind David’s Lyre has revamped. From the unrecognisable ‘No Light, No Light,’ originally by songstress, Florence and the Machine, to this, Rihanna’s dance anthem. But what is commendable is when an artist can take a song that you’d never listen to, ever, and make it not only bearable but enjoyable. David’s Lyre, I applaud you!

1. Kimbra – 2 Weeks/Head over Heels

Originally by Grizzly Bear/Tears For Fears

She’s most famed for providing the extra vocals on the infamous ‘Somebody That I Used To Know. ’This 22 year old New Zealander showcased her mash up of the Grizzly Bear and Tears for Fears tracks on Triple J, and does a sterling job weaving together the 2 that fit together surprisingly beautifully.

If my ramblings about cover versions has stirred the enthusiast in you; then check out this site of potentially 50 of the greatest covers.

Published in the June 2012 issue of the Huddersfield Student.