Do It Again: Top 10 Covers of 2008

Something intriguing occurs when an artist or band takes on someone else’s song. The interpreter may cover that song by adhering to hallmarks of the original version, but hopefully enough distinctiveness shines through to make it a worthwhile performance and not merely a facsimile. That said, here are ten of the best cover songs from 2008.

10) “See Emily Play” – Martha Wainwright
Album: I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too
Despite (or perhaps because of) his eccentricities and psychedelic excursions, Syd Barrett betrayed a childlike purity in his music. Putting her own quirky yet endearing spin on this Pink Floyd classic, Ms. Wainwright draws on that innocence in such a way that, if he were here, would likely elicit a smile from its cosmic source.

9) “Toxic” – Portland Cello Project
Album: Portland Cello Project
For those with discriminating tastes who have pondered what a Britney Spears song would sound like as rendered in perhaps a more sophisticated medium, look no further than the Portland Cello Project’s cover of “Toxic,” which features a bevy of, well, cellos. The ensemble plays the arrangement close to the vest (and the vocals actually sound a bit like Spears), but its enthusiasm and unorthodox approach is irresistibly satisfying.

8) “Temptation” – Southside Johnny & The LaBamba Big Band
Album: Grapefruit Moon: The Songs of Tom Waits
Soaked in the faded glitz of late-night burlesque and the blue-collar grime of a Jersey shore bar, Southside Johnny bejewels this Tom Waits gem with a big brass band (or is it a brass big band?) and swagger to spare. It’s a nocturnal lament, ladies and gentlemen, rife with carnal delights and callings. It’s Southside Johnny for one night only, every night of the week: He sings! He swings! ‘Til the money runs out, he’ll tango ‘til you pour.

7) “Breaking The Girl” – Anna Nalick
Album: Shine [EP]
Already somewhat peculiar in its original form, Nalick envisages this Red Hot Chili Peppers track into an even starker enigma, stripping it down to its sonic bare bones while sustaining the cryptic bent of its narrative. It’s a riveting, ambitious interpretation, one which says something about Nalick’s creative depth and potential.

6) “All I Want Is You” – Glen Campbell
Album: Meet Glen Campbell
From one of last year’s unexpectedly rewarding albums, Campbell’s earnest rendition of this U2 love song recalls the mood of his most timeless performances. Four decades after pleading, “I need you more than want you/ And I want you for all time,” the proverbial lineman for the county sounds inspired, pining, and ever still on the line.

Article Author: Donald Gibson

Donald Gibson is the Senior Music Editor at Blogcritics where he maintains a column, An Interview with... in which he speaks to artists about their craft.

He is also the publisher of Write on Music.

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