Covers Pt. 5

It’s the first Covers Mixtape of 2024! I dug deep to find some eclectic and diverse artists and songs. Let’s jump right in with the Covers Pt. 5 Mixtape. Some highlights include:

“Joy” by Bettye LaVette

The LaVette cover of the Lucinda Williams classic is raw, funky and is the perfect way to kick off this mixtape. Backed by some fantastic session musicians, “Joy” appeared on LaVette’s “comeback” album, full of cool covers.

“War Pigs” by T-Pain

Ozzy called it the “best cover of ‘War Pigs’ ever, and I’d have to agree. Inspired to cover it after seeing Jack Black perform it on The Tonight Show in 2011, T-Pain nails it. No auto tune this time around, it’s just his fantastic voice over an energetic band’s killer chops.

“Bizarre Love Triangle” by Frente!

We drift back to 1994 for this minor hit version of New Order’s classic. It’s simple, it’s pretty and it’s a great reinvention of the track. Stripped out are the synthesizers and heavy dance beats. What’s left are great lyrics over a plucky acoustic guitar.

“Toys In The Attic” by R.E.M.

It’s loud, punky and a bit sloppy - meaning it’s a perfect cover of the Aerosmith rock classic. Originally the B-side to “Fall on Me”, the band later released it on the album Dead Letter Office. Peter Buck said of the song, “...it was always fun to play live.”

There’s more great stuff on Covers Pt. 5 Mixtape, from Sam Smith (a gorgeous version of Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know”), The Dresden Dolls (a pub worthy version of The Psychedelic Furs’ “Pretty In Pink”), The Struts (a sneering version of Lorde’s “Royals”) and so much more. What’s your favorite? Any suggestions for next time?