"YMCA" by Ten Masked Men

 

London, UK death metal tribute band Ten Masked Men cover the 1978 single "YMCA," originally by New York City disco icons Village People.

The song was a lot of fun before it was hijacked by a pedophilic loser cosplaying, poorly, as a world leader.  

"It's Been Awhile" by Copper Moon

 

Montreal, Canada acoustic duo Copper Moon perform a living room cover of "It's Been Awhile," a 2001 single from Springfield, Massachusetts nu metal band Staind.

"(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection" by Natural

 

Orlando, Florida boy band Natural cover "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection," originally a 1990 glam rock single from Santa Monica, California sibling duo Nelson.

"Helena" by CRYRS

 

Lafayette, Louisiana kids CRYRS kick out the jam-balaya-s on their remake of "Helena," a 2005 emo tune from New Jersey post-hardcore band My Chemical Romance.

"Grease" by Dog Fashion Disco

 

Rockville, Maryland (Don't go back there...) avant-garde metal band Dog Fashion Disco cover "Grease," the 1978 lead single from the like-named musical, originally recorded by (Newark) Jersey Boy Frankie Valli.

The lyrics, at several points, say "Grease is the word....is the word... is the word (that you heard)..."

Right.... unless you're in Argentina.

For more Valli covers, the Måneskin version of "Beggin" can be found here, and Lauryn Hill's version of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" can be found here.

"Standing Still" by Emerson Parris

 

Boston, Massachusetts studio band Emerson Parris cover "Standing Still," a 2001 gem from Homer, Alaska singer/songwriter Jewel.

For another Jewel cover, the Patchwork Road version of "Who Will Save Your Soul" can be found here.

"The Goonies R Good Enough" by Handsome Pants

 

Denver, Colorado one man wrecking crew Handsome Pants delivers a mile-high version of "The Goonies R Good Enough," a single from Brooklyn, New York singer Cyndi Lauper, and one of the few music videos from 1985 to feature Nikolai Volkoff.

For more Cyndi covers, Oberhofer's version of "All Through the Night" can be found here, and Aloha from Hell's version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" can be found here.

"Naked Eye" by Galexi

 

Portland, Oregon space rock duo Galexi cover "Naked Eye," a 1996 single from New York City femme trip-hoppers Luscious Jackson.

"Little Girl" by Tavares

 

Providence, Rhode Island by way of Cape Verde sibling band Tavares cover "Little Girl," originally a 1970 soul single from Houston, Texas crooner Billy Preston.

Speaking of little girl, where the FUCK are the Epstein Files?

"Paranoid" by Heartsick Heroine

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota band Heartsick Heroine cover "Paranoid," the 1970 metal masterpiece from London, UK group Black Sabbath, fronted by the man, the myth, the undeniable rabies risk Ozzy Osbourne.

Less than three weeks before his passing last month, Ozzy threw one last hurrah in his hometown of Birmingham.

The "Back to the Beginning" event was the highest grossing charity concert of all time.

Beneficiaries include mental health and musical education initiatives across the UK.

Which is so very, very metal.

For another Black Sabbath cover, the Cardigans' version of "Iron Man" can be found here.

For Ozzy covers, The Barefoot Movement's version of "Crazy Train" can be found here, and Lily Holbrook's version of "Mama, I'm Coming Home" can be found here.

"Cradle of Love" by Double Deck

 

Curitiba, Brazil quartet Double Deck cover "Cradle of Love," a 1990 hard rocking new wave hit from Stanmore, UK musician Billy Idol.

I can't link to Urban Dictionary from here, but this search shows that the definition to the term "rocking the cradle" means when you have a [relationship] with someone [who is] very [young].

Which reminds me: Where are the fucking Epstein Files? 

For another Idol cover, the Deathstars version of "White Wedding" can be found here.

"A Murder of One" by Allison Crowe

 

Happy first day of August!

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada singer, songwriter, and pianist Allison Crowe covers "A Murder of One," my personal favorite track from the 1993 country rock album "August and Everything After" by San Francisco, California roots artists Counting Crows.  

Allison also covered "Raining in Baltimore," and hopefully these two songs were released on a cassingle entitled "Counting Allison Crowes."

For more Counting Crows covers, Little Hurricane's version of "A Long December" can be found here, and Waterflow's version of "Anna Begins" can be found here.

For a cover by Counting Crows, their version of "Start Again" can be found here.

"Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" by New Kids on the Block

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania soul artists The Delfonics had their 1969 Philly groove single "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" covered by Dorchester, Massachusetts teen pop band New Kids on the Block.

If this isn't cringe enough on its own merit, check out Donnie Wahlberg's spoken word interlude at the 3:36 mark.

"Cigarette Daydreams" by Still Image

 

Doo-doo-doo..... Doo-doo-doo.....

Lake Forest, California teen group Still Image cover "Cigarette Daydreams," a 2014 chart topping single from Bowling Green, Kentucky psychedelic rockers Cage the Elephant.

For another Cage the Elephant cover, Grouplove's version of "Spiderhead" can be found here.

"But Anyway" by Crooked Moon

 

Northbrook, Illinois funkified jam band Crooked Moon cover "But Anyway," the 1990 debut single from Princeton, New Jersey roots rockers Blues Traveler.  

For a cover by Blues Traveler, their version of "Roadhouse Blues" can be found here.

"I'll Be Missing You" by Against Habit

 

Leeds, UK gal group Against Habit cover "I'll Be Missing You," the 1997 sentimental musical plagiarism from New York rapper Puff Daddy.

They were described as a synth-pop band in the article linked above, but the only two videos foundon the interwebs under the Against Habit moniker were acoustic guitar and tri-vocal covers.

They may have changed their name along the line, as this site has a link to the catchy as hell electronica song "Opal Dream," recorded under the name Park Fires.

"Nothin' but a Good Time" by Stolen Prayer

 

From the mecca of glam metal that is Louisville, Kentucky come Stolen Prayer.

Here, the four-piece covers the 1988 single "Nothin' but a Good Time," originally from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania rock group Poison.

"Atlantis" by Cas Cleo

 

Nashville, Tennessee by way of rural Virginia singer/songwriter Cas Cleo covers "Atlantis," a 2015 release from Yorkshire, UK indie folk duo Seafret.

Her debut album is entitled "Retrace Everything," maybe because "Letters to Cas Cleo" was already taken. Maybe.

"Welcome Back" by Rex Daisy

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota pop band Rex Daisy cover "Welcome Back," the 1975 theme song for the high school sit-com "Welcome Back, Kotter," originally performed by New York City folkie and Lovin' Spoonful front dude John Sebastian.

That was a great show.

My favorite episode was the one where Horshack and Barbarino get Epstein to release his files. His unabridged, unredacted, unadulterated files. 

"Epstein's Files" was the name of the episode.  I think.

I must have watched that episode 8,647 times!

"Without You" by Salty Snacks

 

Taiwanese chill duo Salty Snacks cover "Without You," a 1970 power ballad from Welsh rockers Badfinger.

According to the Hey Explorer website, Taiwan is no stranger to salty snacks, boasting such regional favorites as oyster omelette potato chips, vegetable soda crackers, and North Sea Fishnacks.

For another Badfinger cover, the Exotic Birds version of "Day After Day" can be found here.

"Kickstart My Heart" by Between the Buried and Me

 

Raleigh, North Carolina progressive metalcore band Between the Buried and Me cover "Kickstart My Heart," a 1989 glam single from Hollywood, California group Motley Crue.

For those who haven't seen a heart get kickstarted, here's a clip from the 1994 drug related dark comedy "Pulp Fiction."

For another Crue cut, Tuuli's version of "Girls, Girls, Girls" can be found here.

"Ahead by a Century" by A Short Walk to Pluto

 

Ontario, Canada roots rockers The Tragically Hip have their 1996 single "Ahead by a Century" covered by Toronto group A Short Walk to Pluto.

The original song is ranked #44 on the list of Canada's top 100 songs of all time, according to Zed 98.9 FM. 

"I Stand Alone" by Cigars and Whiskey

 

Lawrence, Massachusetts rock band Godsmack had their 2002 nu metal single "I Stand Alone" covered by Cigars and Whiskey.

No in-depth bio information on the band, but as they have a member named Constantine and recorded this song in Thessaloniki, it's a pretty safe assumption that they're from Greece.

"Sunday Morning" by Stutter Puppy

 

Happy Sunday Morning to you!

Here's Tulsa, Oklahoma band Stutter Puppy with their version of "Sunday Morning," a 1995 ska punk single from Anaheim, California group No Doubt. 

For more No Doubt covers, Izzy Reign's version of "Hella Good" can be found here, Veridian's version of "Don't Speak" can be found here, and Florence and the Machine's version of "Just a Girl" can be found here.

"All Night Long" by A Loss for Words

 

Abington, Massachusetts pop punk band A Loss for Words cover "All Night Long," a 1983 single from Tuskegee, Alabama rogue Commodore Lionel Richie.

Thanks to this article from UK's independent voice of culture Far Out Magazine, I've finally discovered what the line "Tam bo li de se de moi ya" means....

For another Richie cover, Ekolu's version of "Stuck on You" can be found here.

"Girl Crush" by Knock Point

 

Mosinee, Wisconsin band Knock Point cover "Girl Crush," a 2014 country single from Homewood, Alabama artists Little Big Town.

Speaking of Knock Points, if you ever wanted to knock someone out using pressure points, here's a handy guide!

"Thong Song" by Mister Kanish

 

Hampshire, UK wedding band Mister Kanish follow up a gig at Botleys Mansion in Surrey with an impromptu folk cover of "Thong Song," a 2000 pop rap hit for Baltimore, Maryland artist Sisqo.

Would have loved a full version, but I'll take what I can get.

"Alone" by Oceans of Slumber

 

Houston, Texas doom metal band Oceans of Slumber perform a half-faithful, half-sludgy version of "Alone," a 1983 release from i-Ten, the definitive version of which was recorded several years later by Seattle, Washington hard rock band Heart. 

For another Heart cover, Blitzen Trapper's version of "Crazy On You" can be found here.

"Oysters in My Pocket" by King Stingray

 

Sydney, Australia power pop duo Royel Otis Royelly messed up when they recorded their 2022 single "Oysters in My Pocket" without a didgeridoo solo.

Fear not!

Here are Arnhem Land aborig-indie surf rock group King Stingray with their tribal woodwind inclusionary remake.

"More Than This" by Electrelane

 

Experimental indie Brighton, UK band Electrelane put their unique spin on "More Than This," a 1982 sophistopop single from London, UK alt rockers Roxy Music.

"Feel Like Making Love" by The Hunger

 

Houston, Texas industrial group The Hunger cover "Feel Like Making Love," a 1975 single from London, UK supergroup Bad Company.

There's a link between hunger and feeling like making love, according to this article from The Psychology of Eating.

"Youth Gone Wild" by Rolling Quartz

 

Siheung, South Korea K-rock quintet Rolling Quartz cover "Youth Gone Wild," the 1989 debut single from Toms River, New Jersey glam metal band Skid Row.

There's a three-part documentary currently airing on the Peacock network that delves into the early 2000's "Girls Gone Wild" phenomenon.

For more Skid Row covers, Hydrogyn's version of "18 and Life" can be found here, and "I Remember You" by The Ataris can be found here.

"Mood" by Fluorescents

 

Chicago, Illinois pop punk band Fluorescents cover "Mood," the 2020 genre bending hip hop single from San Francisco, California rap artist 24KGoldn.

This record by 24KGoldn went 7XPlatinm.

"Mr. Sandman" by Medroy

 

Eger, Hungary acoustic duo Medroy cover "Mr. Sandman," the definitive version of which was recorded in 1954 by Sheboygan, Wisconsin barbershop chickadees The Chordettes.

Though it doesn't specify gender, The White Pages show 2,864 people with the surname Sandman, with most living in California and Ohio, and one lonely Sandman in Alaska.

"Low" by The Stepbeats

 

Denver, Colorado reggae-tinged duo The Stepbeats go down like a junkie cosmonaut on their cover of "Low," a 1993 alt rock single from Richmond, Virginia group Cracker.

For more Cracker covers, Uncommon Core's version of "Happy Birthday to Me" can be found here, and The Legend of the Dogu's version of "Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)" can be found here.

"Valerie" by Oh He Dead

 

Washington, DC funky poppy soul band Oh He Dead light up the stage at the Kennedy Center with their remake of "Valerie," a 2006 indie blues single from Liverpool, UK group The Zutons, made roughly ten times as popular by London artist Amy Winehouse the following year.

For another Amy Winehouse cover, Ministry's version of "Rehab" can be found here.

"Everything She Wants" by Alien Ant Farm

 

Venturing back into the music scene after a near decade-long hiatus, Riverside, California nu metal band Alien Ant Farm returned in 2024 with a cover of the 1984 baby-trapping lament "Everything She Wants," a hit for Hertfordshire, UK dance pop duo Wham.

For another Wham cover, CHAI's version of "Last Christmas" can be found here.

"How to Love" by School of Seven Bells

 

New York City, New York shoegaze trio School of Seven Bells cover "How to Love," a 2011 progressive rap single from New Orleans, Louisiana tattface Lil' Wayne.

The Her Norm website has this article which provides 51 ways to love someone.

If you're short on time, though.... this song should hit most of the key points.

"Rush" by Dead Letters

 

Long before owning one of the finest pizza joints in the Pocono region, Chris Maruzzelli fronted NEPA band Dead Letters.

Here they are at the now defunct Staircase Lounge in Pittston, Pennsylvania, covering "Rush," a 1991 alternative dance single from London, UK group Big Audio Dynamite.

"American Girl" by Total Zeros

 

I'd say happy Independence Day, but......meh.

Here's Total Zeros with their holiday float rendition of "American Girl," a 1977 classic rock staple from Gainesville, Florida heartland rocker Tom Petty.

Though Total Zeros hail from Jersey City, New Jersey, the footage of the parade is shot in Lebanon, New Jersey.... along Main Street between Cokesbury and Sutton Road, across from the Twin Goats Cafe.

Everybody in the borough is lined up along the streets, being all patriotic and shit.

Good times.

This footage was from (checks notes) LAST YEAR.

Oh, what a difference a year makes.

For more Petty covers, Echo Screen's version of "Mary Jane's Last Dance" can be found here, and "Free Fallin'" by the Red Stones can be found here.

"Hunger Strike" by Rev Theory

 

Long Island, New York nu metal band Rev Theory cover "Hunger Strike," the most commercially successful song from Seattle, Washington grunge supergroup Temple of the Dog, released in 1992.

A form of non-violent protest often employed throughout history, hunger strikes are, at this moment, taking place among California prison populations.

"Goodbye Lovers and Friends" by Meteor Street

 

Los Angeles, California literary rock band Meteor Street cover "Goodbye Lovers and Friends," the closing track on "Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action," a 2013 album from Glasgow, Scotland indie rockers Franz Ferdinand.

For another Franz Ferdinand cover, Biffy Clyro's version of "Take Me Out" can be found here.

"Dandelion Seeds" by The Lemonheads

 

Happy first day of July!

Here's Boston, Massachusetts jangle pop band The Lemonheads with their rendition of "Dandelion Seeds," a 1968 psychedelic rock single from Ealing , UK group July.

For a cover of The Lemonheads, the Hutch version of "If I Could Talk I'd Tell You" can be found here.

"Iris" by Tangerine Dream

 

West Berlin, Germany new age ambient band Tangerine Dream cover "Iris," the 1996 soft rock ballad from Buffalo, New York post grunge group Goo Goo Dolls.

According to this article on the Wisdom of the Spirit website, fruits in dreams have varied meanings.  Though a tangerine isn't a common fruit to dream about, it's kind of similar to an orange, so could represent vitality or energy.

"Harden My Heart" by Red Shack

 

Saint Johnsbury, Vermont wedding band Red Shack cover "Harden My Heart," a 1981 power ballad for Portland, Oregon group Quarterflash.

Speaking of hardening hearts, this article from Medicover Hospitals in India shows a correlation between old age, sedentary lifestyle, and questionable diet with coronary artery calcification.  

"(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Del Soul

 

Wilmington, Delaware band Del Soul cover "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher."

The definitive version of the song was released by Highland Park, Michigan doo wop singer Jackie Wilson in 1967.

It was recorded several months prior by Harvey, Illinois vocal group The Dells.

The Dells version, though recorded in February of 1967, wasn't released as a single until May of 1968.

As they say regarding record release dates, you snooze, you lose.

"Cities in Dust" by Back to the Cover

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina cover band Back to the Cover bust out the catchiest tune about the destruction of Pompeii, "Cities in Dust," a 1986 dance pop number from London, UK post punk band Siouxsie and the Banshees.

For a cover by Siouxsie and the Banshees, their version of "The Passenger" can be found here.

"All My Friends" by Gang of Youths

 

Sydney, Australia alternative band Gang of Youths cover "All My Friends," a 2007 dance rock single from Brooklyn, New York electronica group LCD Soundsystem.

"Miss You Like Crazy" by R2K

 

Davao City, Philippines band R2K cover "Miss You Like Crazy," a soaring 1989 love ballad from Los Angeles, California serenader Natalie Cole.

"Hitchin' a Ride" by Barbados

 

Gothenburg, Sweden dansband Barbados cover "Hitchin' a Ride," a 1969 release from Kent, UK pop rock group Vanity Fare.

Hitching a ride from Sweden to Barbados could save you over $1,400 round trip, according to this travel website.

"Collide" by Signals in Smoke

 

Despite over 2700 miles between them, the duo Signals in Smoke had a good run doing the long-distance collabo thing, getting one of their singles on the soundtrack of surgical intern drama "Grey's Anatomy" and releasing this cover of "Collide," a 2004 soft rock release from Bangor, Maine artist Howie Day. 

 

"Listen to Your Heart" by Through Fire

 

Omaha, Nebraska post grunge band Through Fire cover "Listen to Your Heart," a 1989 big bad ballad from Halmstad, Sweden pop duo Roxette.  

For more Roxette covers, Candlelight Red's version of "The Look" can be found here, and Volturian's version of "Fading Like a Flower" can be found here.

"It's My Party" by Flying Emus

 

Sydney, Australia bluegrass band Flying Emus cover "It's My Party," the 1963 musical melodrama from Tenafly, New Jersey high schooler Lesley Gore.

Because emus are flightless birds, the band name Flying Emus implies that somewhere in the Land of the Long Weekend, there's a dedicated avian trebuchet.

"Dream Warriors" by Crystal Viper

 

Katowice, Poland heavy metal group Crystal Viper cover "Dream Warriors," a 1987 single from Los Angeles, California glam rockers Dokken.  

The song was written for inclusion on the soundtrack of fantasy slasher film "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3."

A movie that I don't recall seeing.

One that I CERTAINLY didn't read and memorize the end credits of.

The credits of which I could never recall in the midst of a pub trivia round focusing on '80s hair bands.

Never.

"Spanish Bombs" by Hinds

 

Madrid, Spain garage band Hinds cover "Spanish Bombs," a 1979 release from London, UK pop punk influencers The Clash.

For more Clash covers, Dwight Yoakam's version of "Train in Vain" can be found here, and "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by Swimming With Clothes On can be found here.

"Someone to You" by JBB

 

Norwegian pop punkers JBB cover "Someone to You," the catchy as all get out 2017 viral hit from Liverpool, UK artist Banners.

"You Said Something" by Meadoworchid

 

Bruges, Belgium ethereal artist Meadoworchid covers the 2000 story from the city, story from the sea "You Said Something," originally by Bridport, UK alternative singer PJ Harvey.

For a cover by Harvey, her version of "Highway 61 Revisited" can be found here.

"Whatever You Like" by The Outer Vibe

 

It's 6/16!

And, 616 is the area code for Grand Rapids, Michigan.

So, here's Grand Rapids band The Outer Vibe giving Ann Arbor a taste of Southern hip hop, with their version of 2008 pop rap single "Whatever You Like" from Atlanta, Georgia artist T.I.

"My Father" by Melanie

 

Happy Father's Day!

Queens, New York singer/songwriter Melanie covers "My Father," a 1968 daddy-ode by Denver, Colorado by way of Seattle, Washington Americana folk artist Judy Collins.

For a Melanie cover, Mad Tea Party's version of "Brand New Key" can be found here.

"The Stroke" by XFactor1

 

Columbus, Ohio blue collar metal band XFactor1 cover "The Stroke," a 1981 arena rocker from Wellesley, Massachusetts crossover artist Billy Squier.

According to The Mayo Clinic, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience one of these early signs of an ischemic stroke:

• Trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying
• Numbness or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg
• Problems seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking
• A sudden, severe headache

"Tick Tick Boom" by BWP

 

Happy Friday the Thirteenth!

Moscow, Russia's Vechernyaya School Rocco (or BWP) features the Grigorieva sisters on this version of "Tick Tick Boom," a 2007 release from Fagersta, Sweden garage punk revivalists The Hives.

The song is featured on the soundtrack of the 2009 reboot of the Friday the 13th movie franchise.

"Brian Wilson" by Risky Biscuit

 

Atlanta, Georgia based quintet Risky Biscuit cover "Brian Wilson," a 1992 alt rock tribute to the Beach Boys cofounder by Ontario, Canada quirksters Barenaked Ladies.

I didn't own a CD player until high school, and soon after scoring a part time job, music junkie me blew my first paycheck on four albums, one of which was a retrospective of Beach Boys songs.

Rest easy, sir.  Thank you for the music.

For more Barenaked Ladies covers, the Lounge-O-Leers version of "One Week" can be found here, and Cornbread Red's version of "The Old Apartment" can be found here.

"Jet" by The White Swan

 

Doomy sludge metal band The White Swan cover "Jet," a 1973 power pop single from London, UK band on the run Wings.

The White Swan are from Ontario, Canada..... but their song choice would be better fitting a band from Winnipeg.

It's only an 18-hour drive away, if the traffic's light.

"Blind" by Suicide Silence

 

Riverside, California deathcore band Suicide Silence cover "Blind," a 1994 rap metal single from Bakersfield group Korn.

Speaking of Korn and seeing, seeing that you're going blind, according to the Oddly Cute Pets website:

Some albino corn snakes are blind, but most have very poor eyesight. They rely mostly on scent to take in the environment around them. The albinism of the snakes will likely reduce the already poor eyesight of corn snakes. 

For a cover by Korn, their version of "Word Up!" can be found here.

"True" by Flower Power

 

Milan, Italy nu jazz band Flower Power cover "True," a 1983 blue-eyed soul number from London, UK new wave band Spandau Ballet.

Unrelated to the band, here's an article about an Italian floricultural powerhouse, Ciccolella.

"Buckingham Rabbit" by Holy Wave

 

Austin, Texas psych rock outfit Holy Wave cover "Buckingham Rabbit," a 1998 release from Hoboken, New Jersey lo-fi indie country band Silver Jews.

According to the Everbreed website, the Buckingham Rabbit may have come from a small backyard rabbitry located on the outskirts of Knoxville, Tennessee.

"Touch Me (I Want Your Body)" by Zoe Mouratoglou

 

Zoe Mouratoglou, a singer from Athens, Greece. teams up with members of metal bands Art of Simplicity, 4 on the Floor, Thelemite, and Fyrecross to cover "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)," a steamy little 1986 electropop ditty from London, UK Eurobeat artist Samantha Fox.

"Semi-Charmed Life" by Don't Call Me Surely

 

Levelland, Texas folk punk duo Don't Call Me Surely cover "Semi-Charmed Life," the cheerfully upbeat ditty about crystal meth addiction from San Francisco, California alternative rockers Third Eye Blind.

For another Third Eye Blind cover, "Jumper" by Aftrhours can be found here.

"Suspicious Minds" by Horror Business

 

Seville, Spain punk band Horror Business cover "Suspicious Minds," the definitive version of which was performed in 1969 by peanut butter, banana, and bacon man himself Elvis Presley.

For more Elvis covers, Erasure's version of "Can't Help Falling in Love" can be found here, and Eilert Pilarm's version of "In the Ghetto" can be found here.

"The Boyz-n-the Hood" by Dynamite Hack

 

What better song for June 4th than one that mentions cruisin' down the street in your six-four?

Here's Austin, Texas alternative band Dynamite Hack with their tongue-in-cheek acoustic rendering of "The Boyz-n-the Hood," a 1987 gangsta single from Compton, California rap artist Eazy E.  

"I Love the Nightlife" by Frigora

 

Manila, Philippines wedding band Frigora love to boogie on the disco 'roooOOOOOOOOUND!!

Here's their version of "I Love the Nightlife," the 1978 international party hit from Charlotte, North Carolina singer Alicia Bridges.

"Stray Cat Strut" by Rumpus Machine

 

Auckland, New Zealand sibling band Rumpus Machine cover "Stray Cat Strut," a 1981 single from Long Island, New York rockabilly group Stray Cats.

"Take Cover" by June Divided

 

Happy first day of June!

Here's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania band June Divided with their version of "Take Cover," a 2005 single from Seattle, Washington pop emo band Acceptance.

"Closer to Fine" by The Smittens

 

Burlington, Vermont indie twee band The Smittens cover "Closer to Fine," the 1989 exploration for peace despite life's uncertainties, originally from Atlanta, Georgia folk duo Indigo Girls.

For more Indigo Girls covers, Off the Beat's version of "Kid Fears" can be found here, and Sarah Calderwood's version of "Galileo" can be found here.

"Faded" by New Generation

 

Trnava, Slovakia electronic duo New Generation cover "Faded," a 2015 progressive house single from Norwegian DJ and record producer Alan Walker.

"Come Dancing" by Good Riddance

 

Santa Cruz, California skate punks Good Riddance cover "Come Dancing," a 1982 new wave single from long running London, UK pop rock band The Kinks.

I loved, loved, loved this song as a kid.  The musical element, with the horns and the ultra-catchy melody.

On hindsight, the lyrics hit harder.  Especially after reading the song's backstory.

Keep on dancing, Rene.

For another Kinks cover, Oingo Boingo's version of "You Really Got Me" can be found here.

"Blue Crystal Fire" by Tango With Lions

 

Berlin, Germany artist Tango With Lions covers "Blue Crystal Fire," a 1978 experimental folk single from Baltimore, Maryland singer/songwriter Robbie Basho.

Lion Dances date back to China's Han Dynasty in the first century.

Lion Tangos don't date back nearly as far, and may not even be a thing.  

There's this photo online of a lion with a rose in its mouth, though... so maybe they DO dance the tango.

Huh.

"Middle of the Night" by Loveless

 

Los Angeles, California emo kids Loveless cover "Middle of the Night," a 2020 release from Vancleave, Mississippi pop artist Elley Duhe.

"Memory" by Jackie Evancho

 

Happy Memorial Day!

Here's nine-year-old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania classical crossover virtuoso Jackie Evancho with her version of "Memory," a song from the musical "Cats" that was first recorded in 1981 by Hertfordshire, UK musical theater actress Elaine Page.

"Fly from Heaven" by Jason Andrew Brown

 

Indie Indianapolis, Indiana (say THAT five times fast...) artist Jason Andrew Brown and backup band The Marauders cover "Fly from Heaven," a 1994 single from Santa Barbara, California alternative folk band Toad the Wet Sprocket.

No telling if the band name The Marauders is a subtle nod to the mascot of Arisandha High School , a learning center located about ten miles from Indianapolis.

For another Toad cover, The Double Denim's version of "Walk on the Ocean" can be found here.

"Stargazing" by The Function3

 

Buckinghamshire, UK band The Function3 cover "Stargazing," a 2024 single for Luton, UK singer/songwriter Myles Smith.

When not rocking out at weddings and corporate events, Function3 can often be found defining a function of three parameters and its methods.

"Poison" by Powerwolf

 

Saarbrucken, Germany power metal band Powerwolf deliver a venomous remake of "Poison," a 1989 single from Phoenix, Arizona shock rocker Alice Cooper.

For another Alice Cooper cover, the Soul Asylum version of "School's Out" can be found here.

"Send the Pain Below" by Midwife

 

Denver, Colorado experimental pop artist Midwife covers "Send the Pain Below," a 2002 post-grunge single from Grayslake, Illinois nu metal band Chevelle.  

"Born to Be Wild" by Dancing Waters

 

Westerngrund, Germany cover band Dancing Waters take an easy ride through "Born to Be Wild," a 1968 proto-metal single from Los Angeles, California acid rockers Steppenwolf.

If you're born to EAT wild, the place to go in Westerngrund is Gasthaus Zum Kuehlen Grund. You can check out the restaurant serving up those game meats on a Friday night, but they're Geschlossen from Montag through Mittwoch. 

For another Steppenwolf cover, The Chevelles' version of "Magic Carpet Ride" can be found here.

"Senorita" by Dreadlight

 

Portland, Oregon hard rock duo Dreadlight recruit their friend Maiah Wynne to bash the skins on their remake of "Senorita," an oooh-la-la-la single released in 2019 by Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello and Ontario, Canada artist Shawn Mendes.

For another Mendes cover, the Jaclyn Davies version of "Stitches" can be found here.