It’s all subjective to personal tastes and interpretations but here are some cover versions of songs done by other stars first that I like a lot.
JAKOB DYLAN & JADE CASTRINOS- “Go Where You Wanna Go.” Covering the harmonies of that Mamas and Papas oldie isn’t easily done but Dylan and Castrinos are aces up on their version which is found on the “Echo in the Canyon” soundtrack. Go to You Tube and see them sing in live concert settings as they promoted that music documentary. I can’t get enough of the joy Jade Castrinos puts into her part. She brings it to life every time!
PEARL JAM- “Last Kiss.’ This teen tragedy song was made famous in 1962 by rockabilly star Wayne Cochran then became a radio hit again in the 70’s thanks to the one hit wonder group Wednesday. Then Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder came across the song in a Seattle record store, listened to it all night and got his band to play it live during their 1998 concert tour. Finally, in 1999 Pearl Jam’s version of this teen tear jerker was released to radio and as a single. Plain and simple, I love this version. It’s sincere and tells a story, and the fact that a hard rocking band covered it makes me like it that much more!
MILEY CYRUS- “Wildflowers”- After the shocking passing of Tom Petty, Miley Cyrus took to performing the title track from Petty’s 1994 album. Miley sang and nailed it on Howard Stern’s radio show and paired up with her father Billy Ray for another jam of it on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. As I’ve noted before, despite her personality quirks Miss Cyrus is a damn great singer and she’s at her best when performing songs that have a country or folk style to them. This cover of Petty’s sweet “Wildflowers” is a prime example. When she squeals out one last chorus of “You belong somewhere you’ll feel free” it sure is moving. Well done, Miley!
BO DEANS- “Walking After Midnight”- I’m a lifelong fan of the BoDeans. At least up to the point when co-founder Sammy Llanas was still in the band. Sammy’s writing and voice was and always will be the best part of this band from Waukesha, Wisconsin. Anyway, on their live album “Joe Dirt Car” Sammy and the band strum out the Patsy Cline country classic. The gentle honky tonk path taken on this track is so damn near perfect and Sammy’s soulful voice sells it. I also find it fitting to hear a man’s take on Patsy’s song.
More fun to check out cover songs will be posted in future blogs.