Under The Covers
I confess I just haven’t had anything interesting to blog about lately. Life is flowing along on an even keel and all is good. Hard to complain about that! As a result, you get more posts about my obsessions. That always seems to be good fodder and there is no shortage! I’ve mentioned in the past that I have a “thing” for cover songs. I thought I’d post up a few of my more recent acquisitions for your listening pleasure.
This first track is shiny and new, it just came out as a single this week and I snapped it up almost immediately. The original is clearly a well known Michael Jackson song, but I like the rock spin that Fall Out Boy has put on the tune and the guest appearance by John Mayer on guitar.
Beat It by Fall Out Boy w/John Mayer
I’ve been tracking this next song since sometime last year. It was floating around as a demo track from a new band called Anew Revolution. Never could find a good quality version until recently when I got my hands on a pre-release of their upcoming debut album, Rise. I loved the original version of this song by New Order!
True Faith by Anew Revolution
Let’s see, how about something a little further off the beaten path? I bet that most of you haven’t heard THIS cover song. The original is by Fine Young Cannibals and hit #1 in 1989. This version is a rather different spin on this 80’s classic, here performed by none other than Dolly Parton. Bet you didn’t see that coming!
Drive Me Crazy by Dolly Parton
Speaking of the 80s, I have a real soft spot for this song by Cyndi Lauper, which hit #1 the year I graduated from high school in 1984. I have quite a few versions of this classic hit, but I think my favorite rendition is this one by Quietdrive which is getting recent attention in the trailer for the upcoming remake of the film Prom Night.
Time After Time by Quietdrive
Nope, we’re not done yet. In certain circles this is a well known cover song and arguably one of the better known songs period by the venerable punk rockers, Social Distortion. This is truly a punk rock classic, based on an even bigger classic from 1963 by music legend Johnny Cash.
Ring of Fire by Social Distortion
Finally, let’s turn the tables and look at a cover song that became the final hit released by Johnny Cash prior to his death in 2003. An unusual choice, Cash recorded this track originally by Nine Inch Nails for his 2002 album American IV: The Man Comes Around, composed mainly of cover songs.
Hurt by Johnny Cash
Update: A special addition just for Sandra and Shephard… not twangy but still, a different take on another 80’s classic! 
Hungry Like The Wolf by Bruce Campbell (Old Spice Commercial)
A couple weeks ago, I read that Dolly Parton was covering that FYC song, and I thought, “Oh, I can’t wait to hear what that sounds like!”
Thanks for letting me find out. I think that track could possibly drive me crazy!
I really liked the Social Distortion cover of Ring of Fire. That was fun.
Putting a rock spin on Jackson songs seems popular lately. Interesting. Fall Out Boy sounds great on this. I like it a lot. A lot.
~S
I had to hear the Dolly Parton one, I’ve read about it. After picking up my jaw from the floor, all I can say is Dolly must be stopped. The hoe-down at the end…..ugh. What next? Hungry Like The Wolf with fiddles? Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
Oh, a twangy “Hungry Like a Wolf.” Great idea, Sandra. lol
~S
I’ve updated the post with a special addition just for Sandra and Shephard!
Oh no, that little ‘woof’ at the end!!!!!!!! Where on earth did you find this, it’s so bad it’s wonderful.