Ellie Goulding’s pop music is not generally to my taste being a bit too euro-dancey so I was bowled over when I heard her cover version of Alt-J’s “Tessellate” from last year. Her ethereal vocals are perfect for the track and it’s just beautiful. Plus it’s got a sax solo; they’ve been unfashionable since the 80s but I have a place in my heart for a good sax solo given the fact that my Dad is a horn player!
It got me thinking about cover versions I’d like to hear. Herewith a partial list:
Kanye West – “Big Bottom” by Spinal Tap
If Kanye has a sense of humour he hides it well, so it’s unlikely that he’d ever consider something like this, but this famous Spinal Tap tune would lend itself perfectly to a hip-hop cover version. Plus, who doesn’t want to hear him sing, “talk about mud-flaps my girl’s got ’em”? Preferably at his upcoming wedding.
Willie Nelson – “Hits From The Bong” by Cypress Hill
This one just writes itself. Noted toker Willie could give this stoner rap anthem a country feel and sing instead of rap the lyrics; “Inhaaaaale…exhaaaale…”
Justin Beiber – “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus
I have successfully managed to avoid ever listening to a Justin Beiber song in its entirety, and his antics of late haven’t exactly endeared him to me or anyone else. This song might not be the best PR move but then Justin doesn’t really seem to care about that, does he?
Lindsay Lohan – “I Fought The Law” by The Clash
Lindsay’s trying to revive her film career and her current reality show on Oprah’s network OWN is her springboard. While she’s at it, perhaps she could record this iconic track. (Music trivia fans: it was made most famous by The Clash but they actually covered it – it was written by Sonny Curtis of The Crickets, post Buddy Holly.) It would be a tongue-in-cheek reference to her legal woes and Lindsay’s husky vocals would give the lyrics a lot of authenticity.
Rihanna and Miley Cyrus – “Push It” by Salt N Pepa
Rihanna and Miley are two girls intent on selling themselves with huge emphasis on sex, nudity and controversial behaviour. (In fact I think their actual talent takes second place to their sexuality.) They could brilliant update this 80s hip-hop tune with crisp production and crunchy beats, and then twerk along to their hearts’ content. In fact this one’s so obvious I wonder why they haven’t done it already.
What about you, dear readers? Any songs you’d like to see covered and if so by whom? And what are your favourite covers? (Another one of my favourites is “Word Up” originally by Cameo and covered by Willis. In her hands, the song is slowed right down with a country feel and gorgeous warm vocals. You can check it out here.)
Alex Donald's Multiverse 