"End of the Road" by Blame Jones

 

2023 is rapidly coming to a close, so here's Portsmouth, UK band Blame Jones with their rendition of "End of the Road," the 1992 R & B single from Cooley High Harmony Makers Boyz II Men.

"Young Folks" by Shindig Society

 

Stockholm, Sweden indie pop band Peter Bjorn and John had their 2006 single "Young Folks" remade by Shindig Society on their 2014 album "Put Your Lips Together," which includes covers of 15 different tunes that prominently feature whistling.

Though no biography of the band can be found anywhere, their album was released by EMI Music Scandinavia, so they likely aren't too far from Stockholm themselves.  

Though, SecondhandSongs indicates that they're a studio band from the States.

"Unstoppable" by Red

 

Nashville, Tennessee Christian rock band Red muscle through Aussie singer and songwriter Sia's 2016 electropop song of empowerment and self-esteem "Unstoppable."

For more Sia covers, Trip for Biscuit's version of "Cheap Thrills" can be found here, and PVRIS's version of "Chandelier" can be found here.

"Green-Eyed Lady" by Velvet Chain

 

Denver, Colorado psychedelic rock band Sugarloaf had their 1970 single "Green Eyed Lady" revamped by Weehawken, New Jersey by way of Los Angeles, California space jazz band Velvet Chain.

"7 Years" by Flaw

 

Happy Birthday to my main man Rory!

The little guy turns eight today, so in his honor, here's Louisville, Kentucky bourbon soaked numetal band Flaw with their version of Copenhagen, Denmark soul pop group Lukas Graham's 2015 single "7 Years."

Once I was seven years old....

Yeah, once, like six hours ago.  

"Lido Shuffle" by Blufish

 

Duxbury, Massachusetts yacht rockers Blufish cover "Lido Shuffle," a 1976 hit for Canton, Ohio artist Boz Scaggs.

If you're wondering where Duxbury is, it's right down the ro-o-o-o-oad from Boston.  

"Christmas Wrapping" by Spice Girls

 

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

One day over the Spring I was sitting on the couch, minding my own business, when Jess came up to me.

"You know that song 'Christmas Wrapping' by The Waitresses?," she asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

She smirked and said "Spice Girls covered it."

Then she walked away.

Nobody prepares you for the days when marriage is this difficult.

For a cover of Spice Girls, Sandflower's version of "Wannabe" can be found here.

"Can't Help Falling in Love" by Erasure

 

Uptempo British synth pop band Erasure are one of over 600 (!) artists to cover "Can't Help Falling in Love," a 1961 single for Memphis, Tennessee by way of Tupelo, Mississippi crooner Elvis Presley.

If you're a total masochist, have fun checking out another Elvis cover -- "In the Ghetto" by Eilert Pilarm -- here,

"When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" by Arkivet

 

Trinidad and Tobago born crooner Billy Ocean had his 1985 single "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" covered by Swedish house band Arkivet.

Their video was labeled "... the Tough Gets Going," and, sure enough, they throw an unnecessary "S" in there, and it bothers me more than it probably should.  Like when people pronounce the s in Illinois.  

"Heat of the Moment" by Seikima-II

 

I showed Jess a clip of Tokyo, Japan metal band Seikima-II's live performance of "Heat of the Moment," originally released on London, UK progressive rock band Asia's 1982 debut album.  

She watched for about a minute, then turned away muttering "Why are you so weird?"

Pretty sure she liked it.  Maybe.

"When You Were Young" by CrazyEightyEight

 

Multinational post hardcore collab CrazyEightyEight tossed together a couple of albums worth of cover songs, including this blistering version of Las Vegas, Nevada indie band The Killers' 2006 single "When You Were Young."

According to this Wiki article, the band derives its name from the gang in "Kill Bill."

I'm slightly disappointed, as I was hoping that the band was named after Eric Lindros.

For another Killers cover, Patent Pending's version of "Mr Brightside" can be found here.

"Dizz Knee Land" by Mother Lode

 

Denver, Colorado trio Mother Lode have a solitary video uploaded on their YouTube channel.  

It's this cover of the 1992 single "Dizz Knee Land" from Los Angeles, California alternative band Dada, a song that you likely haven't thought about in damn near 30 years.

Why haven't you?  Thought about it?  Hmmmm?  

Still a banger.

"Bad Girls" by Miss Cantaloupe

 

If disco queen Donna Summer had frequented Renaissance Faires in her youth, her 1979 funk single "Bad Girls" may have sounded a bit more like this remake from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania baroque pop band Miss Cantaloupe. 

They have a dedicated flautist.  Seriously.

For another Donna Summer cover, Curve's version of "I Feel Love" can be found here.

"Plush" by Celsius

 

San Diego, California grunge band Stone Temple Pilots' 1993 breakthrough hit "Plush" was masterly recrafted by Celsius, a Mumbai, India based band.  

The singer has a profile on a website called Talentrack, where it indicates that he has been trained under western vocals.

This is probably for the best, as the song would likely lose some of its luster if it were translated into Marathi:

ani mala vatate, ani mala vatate
jevha kutryanna ticha vas yeu lagato
tila ekatyacha vas yeil ka?

For another STP cover, Groove Machine's version of "Vasoline" can be found here.

"Eternal Flame" by Saint Sister

 

Dublin, Ireland pair Saint Sister perform a mesmerizing rendition of The Bangles' emotional 1989 power ballad "Eternal Flame," released on an album that I can only hope is not named "2 Girls, 1 Harp."

For a cover by the Bangles, their version of "Hazy Shade of Winter" can be found here.

"Reelin' in the Years" by Feed Me Jack

 

Santa Cruz, California progressive indie band Feed Me Jack cover the 1972 classic "Reelin' in the Years" by New York yacht rock band Steely Dan.

Though the original artists never revealed that the jazz heavy record was primarily about armadillos and taco trucks, Feed Me Jack sort of read between the lines and brought that imagery to the forefront.

For another Steely Dan cover, Birtha's version of "Dirty Work" can be found here.

"Playground Love" by Sugar Candy Mountain

 

Oakland, California psych pop band Sugar Candy Mountain trip hop through "Playground Love," the downtempo 2000 song from the soundtrack of Kirsten Dunst film "The Virgin Suicides," originally by French duo Air.

Sugar Candy Mountain are not to be confused with plain ol' Candy Mountain, the site where Charlie the Unicorn lost his kidney.

"Lost in Your Eyes" by EastSide Band

 

Manila, Philippines area group EastSide Band dish out a healthy dose of nostalgia by resurrecting the 1989 ballad "Lost in Your Eyes" from one of my longstanding celebrity crushes, NYC electric youth Debbie Gibson.  

For those who are thinking about what to get me for Christmas, a white tee with "Beer O'Clock" written across the front is far from the worst idea.

"Rock N Roll High School" by The Hawkbirds

 

New York family band The Hawkbirds have developed a cult following on YouTube by posting their cover versions of punk standards that are filmed in a single take using only an iPhone.  

One of the latest is this take on 1978 dance punk single "Rock N Roll High School" by Queens pop punk spearheaders Ramones, released on the soundtrack of the like titled teen comedy film. 

For another Ramones cover, The Beautiful South's version of "Blitzkrieg Bop" can be found here.

 

"Cecilia and the Satellite" by New Politics

 

Concord, Massachusetts singer/songwriter Andrew McMahon's 2014 single "Cecilia and the Satellite," was covered by Copenhagen, Denmark alternative rock band New Politics.  

The lyrics were written for McMahon's newborn daughter.

Who would be nine years old today.

So, though the line about keeping her safe and dry is sweet, I'm sure that she'd be quick to point out that she's now a big girl, and can hold her own Paw Patrol umbrella, thank you very much.

"Don't Bring Me Down" by Juliana Hatfield

 

Boston, Massachusetts area alt singer/songwriter Juliana Hatfield pays tribute to Birmingham, UK orchestral rock icons Electric Light Orchestra with this version of their 1979 pop hit "Don't Bring Me Down".... Bruce!

I'm not sure how Bruce brought Juliana Hatfield down, but my guess is that he kept nitpicking the way that she drives.

"King of Wishful Thinking" by New Found Glory

 

Coral Springs, Florida pop punk band New Found Glory cover "King of Wishful Thinking," a 1990 single from UK duo Go West that, though chronologically falling on the cusp between two decades, is more '80s than neon green jelly shoes.

Fun fact about New Found Glory: Their drummer's name is Cyrus Bolooki, which is a much cooler name than yours, sorry.

"Take the Skinheads Bowling" by Artichoke

 

A 2010 article from LA Weekly opens by saying that indie band Artichoke makes music for kids and drunks.

I haven't heard a ton of their work, but, based on my limited exposure, this statement is roughly 103% accurate.

Here, they play an off-kilter cover of "Take the Skinheads Bowling," a 1985 college rock song from Cracker precursor Camper Van Beethoven. 

"Imagine" by Booost

 

Zurich, Switzerland reggae flavored band Booost reimagined "Imagine," the 1971 ballad from Head Beatle in Charge John Lennon.

On the 43rd anniversary of his assassination by an overzealous fan, it may not be the worst time to imagine all of the people living life in peace.

You may say I'm a dreamer... but I'm not the only one.

"Hypnosis" by Morphide

 

Copenhagen, Denmark by way of Latvia progressive band Morphide tackle "Hypnosis," a 2021 release from anonymous masked metal makers Sleep Token.

"You Really Got Me" by Oingo Boingo

 

Ages before scoring every blessed movie and television show from "The Simpsons" to "Batman" to "Edward Scissorhands," film composer Danny Elfman fronted Oingo Boingo, a Los Angeles collective that incorporated elements of ska, punk, worldbeat, and general weirdness.

Here's their.... different.... cover of London, UK rock band The Kinks' 1964 international hit "You Really Got Me."

"Headstrong" by Robyn Adele Anderson

 

Not sure how it took so long to discover New York City social worker turned vintage jazz performer Robyn Adele Anderson, but I'm making up for lost time by checking out her entire catalog.

Not a bad cover in the bunch.

Here's her 1950's style rendering of Los Gatos, California nu metal band Trapt's 2002 single "Headstrong."

"Shattered Dreams" by Kaiak

 

Swedish folk duo Kaiak are giving me, giving me, nothing but chill guitars, chill guitars on their cover version, cover version of Johnny Hates Ja-a--a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-azz's 1988 sophistipop number "Shattered Dreams."

"Unchained Melody" by Cocoon

 

French folk pop duo Cocoon cover "Unchained Melody," a 1955 hit for Texas lounge singer Les Baxter that was popularized a decade later by Orange County, California soul vocal pair The Righteous Brothers.

This version makes me want to catch a micro nap while making pottery with Demi Moore.

"Stand by Me" by Mona

 

Nashville, Tennessee rock band Mona perform a sinister cover of "Stand by Me," the 1961 hit song from Harlem soul singer Ben E King.

If you don't say the name of their band while imitating Tony Danza, and following up with "Samanta! Jonatin!," I'm not sure that I understand why not.

"Rain in the Summertime" by December

 

Believe it or not, it's the first day of December!

So, here's Glasgow, Scotland band December with their cover of Welsh new wave band The Alarm's 1987 oft overlooked gem "Rain in the Summertime."

"Ready to Go" by Frantic Romantic

 

Los Angeles, California six piece Frantic Romantic rip through "Ready to Go," the 1996 dance pop song from Berkshire, UK alternative band Republica.

Presumably, shortly after filming the video, the lead singer was treated at Cedars-Sinai for swimming induced pulmonary edema, while the guitarist was examined for whiplash.

"Da Doo Ron Ron" by Velvet Go! Go!

 

Nagoya, Japan area Showa Renaissance artists Velvet Go! Go! supply a retro fix on their remake of New York vocal R&B girl group The Crystals' 1963 hit "Da Doo Ron Ron."

"Sunglasses at Night" by the Megas

 

You can watch Los Angeles, California Nintendocore nerds The Megas weave and breathe Montreal, Canada synth pop singer Corey Hart's storylines on their remake of his 1982 single "Sunglasses at Night."

In addition to video game inspired synth riffs, The Megas are known for their silly red hats and outlandish stolen election conspiracy theories.  Wait, no.... I'm thinking of the Magas.

"Minnie the Moocher" by Glass Eye

 

Austin, Texas art rock band Glass Eye hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-ho their way through 1931 jazz standard "Minnie the Moocher," originally from Rochester, New York band leader Cab Calloway.

Though the only Delaware connection I can find to the scat singer is his death in a Hockessin assisted living facility, there's a school of the arts in Wilmington bearing his name, so....? 

"Hey, Soul Sister" by Future Idiots

 

Swedish punk band Future Idiots plow through "Hey, Soul Sister," originally a 2009 single from Bay area rockers Train.

The original song was lambasted in this article from Mother Jones, and it is probably the best review of anything that I've ever read.  

For another Train cover, Go Go Gadjet's version of "Drops of Jupiter" can be found here.

"I'm Not in Love" by Camera Obscura

 

Scottish indie pop band Camera Obscura cover "I'm Not in Love," the 1975 soft rock ballad from British progressive band 10cc.

10cc is a much better band name than their original "Roughly Two Thirds of a Tablespoon."

"When I Need You" by Alpha Blondy

 

Alpha Blondy sounds like a band fronted by Elle Woods or Ken Carson, but he's really a reggae and African groove singer from Ivory Coast.  

Here, he covers "When I Need You," the 1976 soft rock ballad penned by Albert Hammond, made popular later the same year by Sussex, UK crooner Leo Sayer.

"Thank You" by Jolin Tsai

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

On this day of thanks, here is Taipei, Taiwan singer and actress Jolin Tsai with her reboot of "Thank You," the 1998 gratitune from London, UK downtempo triphop singer Dido.

For another Dido cover, Murray Head's version of "White Flag" can be found here.

"Pony" by Slothrust

 

Boston, Massachusetts alternative band Slothrust cover "Pony," the 1996 hip hop soul jam from Washington, DC R&B singer and songwriter Ginuwine.

With the song choice, you may think that the band name is a combination of "slo" and "thrust," but, no.  It's a compound made up of the seldom joined root words "sloth" and "rust."  

"Cracklin' Rosie" by Wychwood

 

Happy birthday to my younger sister!

She's always had an affinity for the dynamic 1970 soft rock song "Cracklin' Rosie" by Neil Diamond, which is also in my top twelve or so songs that's presumably about hookers.

Here's obscure as all hell London, UK folk band Wychwood with their countrified take on the classic.

For another cover of Diamond, UB40's version of "Holly Holy" can be found here.

For a cover by Neil Diamond, his version of "Monday. Monday" can be found here.

"St Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" by Anahata

 

Romanian (more specifically, Transylvanian) goth metal duo Anahata break from their vampire schtick for a moment to give us a remake of British singer John Parr's 1985 chart topping single "St Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)," the theme from the like-titled blockbuster film.

"Closing Time" by The Gospel Youth

 

All Brighton, UK band The Gospel Youth want for Christmas is a veritable crap ton of emo, which they end up gifting to themselves on this cover of "Closing Time," the 1998 post-grunge ballad from Minneapolis, Minnesota power pop band Semisonic.

"Last Nite" by Vitamin C

 

"Last Nite," the 2001 garage rock single from New York City band The Strokes, was reimagined as an electropop number by Old Bridge, New Jersey singer Vitamin C.

Truth be told, I found it super catchy, and loved it until the "Heart of Glass" mash up.  

Then again, its inclusion is clever, on hindsight.

Vitamin C has 26 acting credits on IMDb, her debut being in the 1988 John Waters film "Hairspray," where she portrayed the daughter of Velma Von Tussle, a role assumed by none other than Blondie front woman Debbie Harry.

Totally unrelated, but Vitamin C is a much better moniker for a musician than the synonymous Ascorbic Acid. in my worthless opinion.

"Windy" by Life in General

 

The 1967 sunshine pop song "Windy" by California band The Association is redone by Winston Salem, North Carolina duo Life in General.

Of course it's a favorite, as I have a soft spot for toy instruments and those who rock them in a thrash folk style.

"Cold Hearted" by Scrawl

 

Columbus, Ohio indie rock trio Scrawl take the fuzzily dissonant approach on their remake of San Fernando, California singer and choreographer Paula Abdul's 1988 dance pop single "Cold Hearted."

How cold hearted are snakes?

I aimed to find out by reading a report on reptile cardiology.  Unfortunately, I have no answer for you, because I found something better to do than read said article.... which was, quite literally, anything else.

"I've Had the Time of My Life" by Koritni

 

Sydney, Australia sleaze rockers Koritni cover "I've Had the Time of My Life," the 1987 Oscar winning theme song from the Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey film "Dirty Dancing," originally a duet featuring Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton.... I mean.... Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.

I carried a watermelon....

"One Headlight" by Shelly Sony

 

Multi-national MPB singer Shelly Sony incorporates elements of bossa, reggae, and jazz on her 2017 remake of "One Headlight," the 1997 mainstream rock chart topper from Los Angeles, California roots rock band The Wallflowers.

Padiddle!

"Holding Out for a Hero" by Aviators

 

Fort Myers, Florida orchestral fantasy rock artist Aviators puts a synth pop spin on "Holding Out for a Hero," the 1984 single from Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler that makes everybody want to cut footloose.

No matter how many times I hear this song while driving, I'm forever glancing over my shoulder looking for emergency vehicles.  Fool me once, shame on me.  Fool me 6,273 times, shame on me still.  

For another Bonnie Tyler cover, Hurra Torpedo's version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" can be found here.

"What a Wonderful World" by The Innocence Mission

 

Lancaster, Pennsylvania indie folk band The Innocence Mission impart valium for the ears with their beddy-bye version of the 1967 sentimental standard "What a Wonderful World," originally by New Orleans, Louisiana vocalist and trumpeter Louis Armstrong.

"Kyoto" by Mile 57

 

Boston, Massachusetts hard rock band Mile 57 cover "Kyoto," an uncharacteristically bright and upbeat single from Pasadena, California indie folk artist Phoebe Bridgers.

The singer/guitarist rocks her skeleton outfit, so that she and Bridgers are totes twinsies.

"Rainbow in the Dark" by Liliac

 

If this is your first time hearing Atlanta, Georgia by way of Los Angeles, California family metal band Liliac's cover of Cortland, New York holy diving musician Dio's 1983 platinum selling single "Rainbow in the Dark," here's something fun that you can do!

1. Hit play on the video.

2. Close your eyes.

3. Listen until you hear vocals.

4. Imagine what the singer may look like.

5. Open your eyes to compare your mental image with reality.

6. Be utterly flabbergasted.

"Blinding Lights" by Feuerschwanz

 

The video for tongue-in-cheek German medieval metal band Feuerschwanz's cover of Toronto, Canada artist The Weeknd's 2019 universally acclaimed synthwave single "Blinding Lights" seems to check almost every box.

Bagpipe intro? Check.

Fellow in chainmail armor rocking a two stringed bass made from a poleaxe?  Check.

Attractive violinist dancing seductively? Check.

Implication that this foray into a castle with full backline and a bird of prey is all a grog induced dream? Check, check, and check.

For another Weeknd cover, VONALTUM's cover of "Save Your Tears" can be found here.

"Rebel Rebel" by Rickie Lee Jones

 

Genre hopping Chicago, Illinois singer songwriter Rickie Lee Jones gets a little bongo action in on her remake of 1974 glam rock staple "Rebel Rebel" from the legendary Ziggy Stardust....er....Aladdin Sane.....ehrm.... David Bowie.

For another Bowie cover, Warpaint's version of "Ashes to Ashes" can be found here.

"Get Ready" by It Lives, It Breathes

 

It Lives, It Breathes, a rock collective from Providence, Rhode Island, perform a web cover of "Get Ready," a 1966 hit for Detroit, Michigan R&B Soul band The Temptations.

While your primary focus while watching the video will be on the lead singer's haircut, check out the secondary guitarist.  He very well may be the bastard offspring of Jack Black and the Berries and Cream dude from that Starburst commercial.

For another Temptations cover, The Jesus and Mary Chain's version of "My Girl" can be found here.

"What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)" by Tre Lux

 

San Francisco, California darkwave performer Tre Lux covers "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)," the 1988 electro dance song from St Paul, Minnesota synth pop artists Information Society.

What's seriously impressive is that she never uses an autotune device!

Kidding....I'm kidding.  

"Love is All Around" by Wet Wet Wet

 

Clydebank, Scotland soft rockers Wet Wet Wet deliver a completely waterlogged cover version of UK garage rock band The Troggs' 1967 evangelical inspired top ten hit "Love is All Around."

It's damp, it's drenched, it's sopping.

"Last Night" by Carah

 

Happiest of birthdays to my big sister!

There's the age old nature vs. nurture debate, and Jamie is sometimes a case study for the nature side.

Case in point -- a couple of years ago, she posted pictures of an event that she attended, with a giant "MW" across the stage shown from an aerial camera.

I thought, initially and completely rationally, that maybe it was a convention of dictionary enthusiasts, partying when that new Merriam-Webster drops.

I looked up city events, and found that she had actually seen Morgan Wallen, a country singer from the raging metropolis of Sneedville, Tennessee.

I'm assuming that Jamie paid money in exchange for a ticket to this event, where, if I were offered thirty thousand dollars to attend, I'd have to weigh the pros and cons. Not having student loans would be nice and all, but.... sheesh.

She marches to her own drum, and, more oft than not, that drum is accompanying some C&W.

Here's a cover of one of Wallen's more radio-friendly hits, this year's release "Last Night," as covered by Nashville, Tennessee transplant Carah.

"Valerie" by Ra Ra Riot

 

Maybe you don't feel that the 1982 synth pop single "Valerie" from Birmingham, UK blue eyed soul artist Steve Winwood slaps so friggin' hard.

You're wrong.  It absolutely does.

Found a cover that does this one justice.  Syracuse, New York baroque pop band Ra Ra Riot keep the upbeat synths intact, and throw in a violin for good measure.

"Foxey Lady" by Mary's Danish

 

The 1967 psychedelic rock song "Foxey Lady" originally by The Jimi Hendrix Experience gets the funk treatment from Los Angeles, California indie band Mary's Danish, who sound like Red Hot Chili Peppers if they had a horn section and replaced Anthony Kiedis with the gals from The B-52's.

"Mother" by November Coming Fire

 

Happy first day of November!

Here's a hardcore/sludge band from Kent, UK called November Coming Fire with their version of "Mother," a 1988 release from Lodi, New Jersey heavy metal band Danzig.

In the video, you can clearly see the guitarist's breath as he sings.  According to this article, breath usually isn't visible until the air temperature hits 45 degrees Fahrenheit (roughly 7 degrees Celsius).

While his mother was telling him not to hear Danzig's words, what they mean, what they say, she should have also persuaded him to wear a duffle coat.

"I Want Candy" by Black Metal Box

 

It's Halloween, it's Halloween, it's time for scares, it's time for screams!

It's also nearly time to raid my son's pail for all of the Baby Ruths.

Here's an industrial EBM cover of "I Want Candy," a 1965 bubblegum pop song from New York City band The Strangeloves (with the definitive version released by London, UK worldbeat group Bow Wow Wow in 1982) from Black Metal Box.

An internet query showed that Black Metal Box was the name used by a Phoenix, Arizona hard rock band that made waves locally between 2008 and 2015... but this cover was released a full decade earlier.

By searching the compilation album's name, there was a crosslink to the proper Black Metal Box.

Though little information is found on BMB themselves, one member's previous band Freak Seed had a listing in the metal archives.  Our Black Metal Box is not from Phoenix, as it turns out, but from Morristown, New Jersey.

"Volcano Girls" by Cherri Bomb

 

The Warner Park Valley Cultural Center in Woodland Hills, California puts on free concerts and hosts outdoor movies throughout the summer.

And, they have been doing so for at least 14 years, as this footage of Cherri Bomb covering Chicago, Illinois alternative band Veruca Salt's 1997 alternative hit "Volcano Girls" was recorded in July of 2009.

This version is impressive to the nth degree, especially considering that the performers weren't even in high school yet.  

"My Love" by John Davidson

 

True or False?

Two decades before embarking on a career as a game show host, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native John Davidson was a singer who covered "My Love," the 1965 single from Surrey, UK stage performer Petula Clark.

If you guessed "true," then circle gets the square.

"The Number of the Beast" by Sinergy

 

Today's cover song is the 666th featured here on Daily Cover Song...  hence, Helsinki, Finland power metal band Sinergy's version of London, UK symphonic prog metal band Iron Maiden's 1982 single "The Number of the Beast."

"Happy Together" by Sinkane

 

Sudanese trip hop artist Sinkane loops and reverbs his way through "Happy Together," the 1967 psychedelic pop hit from Los Angeles, California folkies The Turtles.

"Brass in Pocket" by Kelis

 

New York City R&B artist Kelis's pockets bring all the boys to the yard.  And they're like "There's brass in there."  Damn right, there's brass in there. She uses the alloy for the transport of water through pipes and fittings.

Here is her version of the 1979 song "Brass in Pocket," originally by The Pretenders.

It's special.  So special.  It's gotta have some of your attention.

For a cover of Kelis, Buddy's version of "Milkshake" can be found here.

"Pablo Picasso" by The Tellers

 

Wishing a very happy 142nd birthday to short stuff cubist impressionist Pablo Picasso!

In his honor, here are The Tellers, an indie folk band from Belgium, with their rendition of the 1972 proto-punk song "Pablo Picasso" from Natick, Massachusetts band The Modern Lovers.

"Connection" by The Fantastic Plastics

 

You'll find this surprising, but I've never been cool enough to sign up for a Twitch account.

That's probably why it took so long to discover New York City retro new wave band The Fantastic Plastics.

Here, the duo cover "Connection," the 1994 single from British art punk band Elastica that contains, arguably, one of the catchiest riffs from that decade.

So catchy, in fact, that it makes anthropomorphic jars of peanut butter, Napoleon Dynamite, and Carlton Banks dance like crazy, while Vincent Vega stands around looking confused.

For a cover by Elastica, their version of "Da Da Da" can be found here.

"Don't Change" by Grinspoon

 

You know those picture filters that sharpen blurry photos a bit?

That's New South Wales rock band Grinspoon's cover of "Don't Change," the 1982 pub punk single from Sydney, Australia new wave group INXS.

The fuzzed out guitars are a bit fuzzier.  The drums a bit drummier.

Other than that, they don't change for you, and don't change a thing for me.

"Tightrope" by Chvrches

 

2010 psychedelic soul single "Tightrope," originally from Kansas City, Kansas singer Janelle Monae was c-c-c-covered by Glasgow, Scotland indietronica band Chvrches.

Life Hack: If you're ever cornered by someone at a party and want to reclaim your personal space, simply look them in the eye and say "Another word for a tightrope walker is a funambulist," and watch how quickly they leave you alone.

"Get the Party Started" by Cobra Verde

 

Cleveland, Ohio rock band Cobra Verde get this party started on a Saturday morning with their remake of "Get the Party Started," the 2001 dancepop single from Doylestown, Pennsylvania singer/songwriter P!nk.

For another P!nk cover, Sugarland's version of "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night" can be found here.

"The Fear" by Abbey Walter

 

London, UK electropop singer/songwriter Lily Allen's scathing 2008 single "The Fear" was reimagined as a chill island song by Abbey Walter. 

I love, love, love the steel drums.  

This version is like 10,000 papaya-scented candles being simultaneously thrown through the living room window of a McMansion in order to set it ablaze.

"Chasing Cars" by Boyce Avenue

 

Sarasota, Florida brothers Boyce Avenue have established themselves as one of the internet's foremost cover bands, with multiple millions of subscribers racking up well over 6 billion views on the YouTube platform alone.  

Here, they breathe new life into "Chasing Cars," the 2006 release from Scottish post-Britpop band Snow Patrol.

"Killing Me Softly" by The Congress

 

Richmond, Virginia band The Congress don't appear to be out and about these days, with a Facebook feed that has lain dormant for several years.

They did have a solid run, there, though.... with their 2013 album "The Loft Tapes" including a cover of "Killing Me Softly (With His Song)," a 1972 song for Los Angeles, California multi-instrumentalist Lori Lieberman, which was made famous the following year by Black Mountain, North Carolina singer and songwriter Roberta Flack.

"Stuck on You" by Ekolu

 

Tuskegee, Alabama soft rock legend Lionel Richie had his 1984 hit "Stuck on You" transported off of the mainland by Maui, Hawaii boy band Ekolu.  

It's like adult contemporary drenched in pineapple smoothies.

"Your Woman" by Princess Chelsea

 

Auckland, New Zealand artist Princess Chelsea recruits a rhythm section that both vaguely and weirdly  resemble Michael Cera on her remake of "Your Woman," a 1997 one hit wonder from Indian born Britpop performer White Town.

I'm a little jealous of the xylophone setup.  She can play more than a single octave.  Well, whoop-de-do, Princess Chelsea.  

"Daydream Believer" by The Four Tops

 

The Four Tops, one of the definitive bands of the 1960's Motown era, brought some R&B flavor to "Daydream Believer," the catchy 1967 psychedelic pop song from made-for-TV band The Monkees.

For a Four Tops cover, Third World's version of "It's the Same Old Song" can be found here.

"Complicated" by Midnight Cereal

 

Bangkok, Thailand self-professed pop punk gang Midnight Cereal pour out a heaping bowlful of sugar-coated licks on their version of "Complicated," the hit single from Canadian songstress Avril Lavigne's 2002 debut album "Let Go."

For another cover of Avril Lavigne, Cascada's version of "Sk8r Boi" can be found here.

For a cover by Avril Lavigne, her version of Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" can be found here.

"The Crystal Lake" by Piroshka

 

It's Friday the 13th!

So, now might be a good time to break out a cover of a song called "The Crystal Lake," originally released in 2000 by Modesto, California space rock band Grandaddy, covered here by UK supergroup Piroshka.

"If It Makes You Happy" by Screaming Females

 

Kennett, Missouri heartland rocker Sheryl Crow's 1996 top ten single "If It Makes You Happy" was done over by New Brunswick, New Jersey indie punk band Screaming Females.

One thing I can say about Screaming Females... their band name is in no way misleading.

For another Sheryl Crow cover, Judah and the Lion's version of "Soak Up the Sun" can be found here.

"867-5309/Jenny" by Bracket

 

Forestville, California melodic hardcore band Bracket cover 1981 new wave hit "867-5309/Jenny," originally by Tommy Tutone.

The song will forever be remembered as the ditty that launched a million trillion prank phone calls, prompting Lorene Burns of Brewton, Alabama to want to "get ahold of Tommy Tutone's neck and choke him," according to this article from the Lakeland, Florida Ledger in May of 1982.  

"Cry Me a River" by Alter Grey

 

Sofia, Bulgaria band Alter Grey cover Justin Timberlake's 2002 spitegala "Cry Me a River."

If you take the song's line about burning bridges literally, the city of Sofia offers a couple of options.

There's the Lion's Bridge over the Vladaya river, or the Eagles Bridge over the Perlovska river.

For more Justin Timberlake covers, Fame on Fire's version of "Can't Stop the Feeling" can be found here, and Boy Deluxe's version of "SexyBack" can be found here.