"Drive" by Laura Lea and Tripp Fabulous

 

If you look above the exit sign on the left of the video, you will see a harrowing scene where a marlin is threatening to take a deer's wallet, threatening her with a stab in the neck from its sharp proboscis.

If you focus a bit lower and to the right, you will see Atco, New Jersey based Laura Lea and Tripp Fabulous performing their version of "Drive," a 2000 release from Calabasas, California funk metal band Incubus.

Though it may not be apparent from the video, Laura Lea has the absolute greatest fashion sense when it comes to tee shirts.

"Just Dance" by Vanilla Sky

 

Rome, Italy pop punk band Vanilla Sky cover "Just Dance," the 2008 debut electropop single for New York City bad romantic Lady Gaga.

The band Vanilla Sky should not be confused with the Cruise and Cruz 2001 fantasy romance movie "Vanilla Sky," which, let's not kid ourselves, absolutely and unequivocally sucked.

For more Lady Gaga covers, Drive Action's version of "Bad Romance" can be found here, Quor's version of "Shallow" can be found here, and the Leftover Cuties' version of "Poker Face" can be found here.

"Old Man" by Trousdale

 

Los Angeles, California country-tinged folkies Trousdale perform a harmony rich cover of "Old Man," a 1972 single from Toronto, Canada singer songwriter Neil Young.

I don't know who the old man that Young is singing about, but it could very well be supercentenarian Joao Neto, a Brazilian man who's still kicking at the ripe age of 112.  

For another Neil Young cover, Tanya Donnelly's version of "Heart of Gold" can be found here.

"Plowed" by Flannel Forward

 

Morristown, New Jersey 90's tribute act Flannel Forward power through "Plowed," a 1994 post-grunge single from Detroit, Michigan alternative band Sponge.

For another Sponge cover, Red Atlanta's version of "Molly (Sixteen Candles)" can be found here.

For a cover by Sponge, their version of "Cherry Pie" can be found here.

"Dangerous" by Olivia Krash

 

Moscow, Russia DIY musician Olivia Krash performs a live cover of "Dangerous," the 2013 paranoid single from Brooklyn, New York electronic glitch pop artists Big Data.

The concert was held at a music venue called Tesla4000.

Seems like a nice place.

It would be a real shame if the owner of said venue's net worth tanked dramatically after he unapologetically threw up Nazi hand gestures at a presidential inauguration event.

A real shame.

Шучу.  Он может есть дерьмо и умереть.

"Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)" by Nite Wave

 

Seattle, Washington throwback band Nite Wave cover "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream) ," a 1983 new wave single from Liverpool, UK group The Icicle Works.

Immediately after this video was shot, the band members were featured in a commercial for Tide Plus Ultra Oxi laundry detergent. Probably.  I can't back that up.

As a side note, it's really great to see that Lou Diamond Phillips is getting back out there.

"I Like Me Better" by Romy Wave

 

Swiss pop star Romy Wave covers "I Like Me Better," a 2017 electronic snap single from Wayne, Pennsylvania musician Lauv.

When Lauv's relationship that the tune was based on ended, he penned another ditty entitled "My Self Opinion Doesn't Really Change All That Much," which didn't have as much commercial success. 

"Crucify" by Whorticulture

 

Denver, Colorado darkwave band Whorticulture go goth-industrial on their remake of "Crucify," a 1992 chamber pop single from Newton, North Carolina mezzo-soprano Tori Amos.

Whorticulture, of course, is the science of growing flowers, trees, or shrubs.... only with way, WAY more rakes and hoes.

For another Tori cover, Tapping the Vein's version of "Cornflake Girl" can be found here.

For a cover by Tori, her version of "I Don't Like Mondays" can be found here.

"Tears on My Pillow" by Peggy March

 

Happy first day of March!

Here's Lansdale, Pennsylvania singer Peggy March with her version of "Tears on My Pillow," the 1958 debut doo-wop single from Brooklyn, New York soul group Little Anthony and the Imperials.

"Bad Reputation" by Hogg Maulies

 

Lubbock, Texas independent group Hogg Maulies add some hickory smoked flavor to "Bad Reputation," a deceptively upbeat 1994 song of isolation and troubled relationships from Kinsley, Kansas Debbie Downer Freedy Johnston.

Speaking of hickory smoked and Hoggs, the band's electronic press kit confirms that they were a featured act on the bill for Brady's Hog Fest in 2015.

"Wishin' and Hopin'" by Teen Queens

 

Short lived Sydney, Australia band of models turned singers Teen Queens give East Orange, New Jersey singer Dionne Warwick's 1963 single "Wishin' and Hopin'" the manufactured pop treatment.

For another Warwick cover, Blue Lagoon's version of "Heartbreaker" can be found here.

"Snuff" by Hello Noon

 

Los Angeles, California area youngsters Hello Noon cover "Snuff," a 2009 alternative track from Des Moines, Iowa nu metal band Slipknot.  

"Call Me" by The Hillbilly Moon Explosion

 

Zurich, Switzerland rockabilly band The Hillbilly Moon Explosion are kept hanging by the telephone on their remake of "Call Me," the 1980 dance rock single from New York City new wave band Blondie.

For more Blondie covers, the Underclass version of "Maria" can be found here, My Robot Friend's version of "Rapture" can be found here, and Heartworms' version of "Sunday Girl" can be found here.

"The Rose" by Mudhoney

 

Seattle, Washington grunge band Mudhoney perform an improbable cover of "The Rose," a love ballad that Honolulu, Hawaii songbird Bette Midler warbled on the soundtrack of a like-named 1979 romance drama.

Technically speaking, Bette Midler's version was itself a cover, originally performed by Los Angeles, California songwriter Amanda McBroom on a talk show hosted by Jim Nabors.

"Grammy" by Purity Ring

 

Edmonton electropop band Purity Ring cover "Grammy," a 2010 hip hop single from Chicago, Illinois hip hop artist Soulja Boy.

Admittedly, I'm not all that familiar with Soulja Boy's discography.  Found out that he has a single called "Booty Meat."  And, that's pretty awesome.  

Booty meat.

"Somebody Else" by 81A

 

Sarasota, Florida band 81A cover the 2016 conflicted love ballad "Somebody Else," originally by Manchester, UK art pop band The 1975.  

From what I can gather, the band is likely named for either a German working visa or a toner cartridge for a Hewlett-Packard printer.

"Sailing" by Rumer

 

Pakistani born singer Rumer covers "Sailing," a 1979 soft rock single from San Antonio, Texas singer songwriter Christopher Cross.

If you were in the market for a remake of a yacht rock staple with Karen Carpenter-esque vocals, Rumer has it!

For another Christopher Cross cover, Fitz and the Tantrum's version of "Arthur's Theme" can be found here.

"Talking Body" by Five Hundredth Year

 

Detroit, Michigan area metal influenced rock band Five Hundredth Year cover "Talking Body," a 2015 single from Swedish dance pop star Tove Lo.

"All I Have to Do Is Dream" by The Woodgies

 

The Woodgies, who, for whatever reason, passed up the band name "Swiss Sis," get some Alpine indie folk in on their web cover of "All I Have to Do Is Dream," a 1958 jangle pop number from Knoxville, Tennessee duo The Everly Brothers.

Immediately after filming the video, the sisters had a best of three "Rock-Paper-Scissors" tourny, with the loser having to schlep the guitar down the mountain on the back of a bicycle.

"Sippy Cup" by Charlatan

 

Salt Lake City, Utah scrap metal weirdos Charlatan cover "Sippy Cup," a 2015 electropop single from New York City artist Melanie Martinez.

I believe the original video slightly outpaces the Charlatan video in grotesquely disturbing imagery.

Slightly.

"Cherry Bomb" by Morosis

 

Hong Kong based teens Morosis cover ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch- "Cherry Bomb," the 1976 hard rock single from Los Angeles, California queens of noise The Runaways.

At least a couple of members of the band are in an upcoming production of "Heathers" in the West Kowloon Cultural District.  Tickets will set you back $280 HKD, or roughly $36 USD.

"A Sunday Smile" by Kishi Bashi

 

Happy Sunday to all!

Santa Fe, New Mexico indie folk band Beirut had their 2007 waltz "A Sunday Smile" covered by Norfolk, Virginia psychedelic pop artist Kishi Bashi.

"Little Talks" by MyTiredBones

 

"Little Talks," the 2011 debut single from Icelandic chamber pop band Of Monsters and Men is covered by a 23-year-old Kentucky based singer with the handle MyTiredBones.

Tired bones?  23-year-old?  Oh, girl.... If your bones are tired now, they'll be practically paralyzed in a couple of decades.

For a cover by Of Monstes and Men, their version of "Circles" can be found here.

"Cupid Shuffle" by The Vistas Band

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's Charleston, South Carolina based The Vistas Band with their rendition of "Cupid Shuffle," a 2007 single from Lafayette, Louisiana R&B singer/songwriter Cupid.  

Now, walk it by yourself.

"Another Night" by DreamRyde

 

Natick, Massachusetts and/or Providence, Rhode Island group DreamRyde perform "Another Night," a 1993 Eurodance single from Berlin, Germany house band Real McCoy.

It's like a steaming bowl of clam chowder for the ears.

"Von Dutch" by Lime Garden

 

Brighton, UK wonk pop band Lime Garden cover "Von Dutch," a 2024 electroclash single from Cambridge artist Charli XCX.  

"Whoomp! (There It Is)" by Black Death Wish

 

While you were kicking it to Atlanta, Georgia old-school hip-hop duo Tag Team's pop rap single "Whoomp! (There It Is)" back in 1992, you were probably wondering when a down tempo doom version of the song would come along.

Ladies and Gents..... from Birmingham, Alabama .... here's Black Death Wish.

"Tequila" by Lullanas

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania twins Lullanas cover "Tequila," a country pop tune from Nashville, Tennessee duo Dan and Shay.

The original song was released on January 11th, 2018.

Lullanas uploaded their remake on January 12th, 2018.

Lullanas wastes no time.

"Tequila" is not to be confused with "Tequila," which was covered by The Aqua Barons, and can be found here.

"Where Eagles Dare" by Drive Me Dead

 

Faenza, Italy horror punks Drive Me Dead cover "Where Eagles Dare," a 1979 release from Lodi, New Jersey hardcore band The Misfits.

I ain't no goddamn son of a bitch.

Go Birds.

"Your Love" by Thunder and Rain

 

Nashville, Tennessee newgrass band Thunder and Rain cover the 1985 uptempo song about sweet, sweet (probable) statutory "Your Love" by London, UK pop rock group The Outfield.

As the saying sort of goes, when the Josie's away, the pussycats will play.

"Tribute" by We Are Robot

 

Bournemouth, UK brothers We Are Robot do not play the best cover song in the world, no.... this is just a tribute.

Here's their version of "Tribute," a 2002 release from Los Angeles, California comedy metal duo Tenacious D.

The beast asked them, "Be you angels?"

And they said, "Nay!  We are but robot."

The one brother, Paul, could EASILY place third in a Jack Black look-alike contest. 

"Urgent" by FraGILe

 

Berlin, Germany pair FraGILe put a uniquely sinister spin on "Urgent," a 1981 funk rock hit from New York City arena rock band Foreigner.

Germany?  With a name like FraGILe, they must be Italian!

For another Foreigner cover, the Sunshine on Mars cover of "Cold as Ice" can be found here.

"Sexy and I Know It" by The Conniption Fits

 

Los Angeles, California electrohop duo LMFAO have their 2011 party rock anthem "Sexy and I Know It" covered by West Lebanon, New Hampshire band The Conniption Fits.

Speaking of fits, you may want to go a little easier on the strobe effect, there, fellas....

"Take Your Mama" by Texas

 

Here's a cover of New York City electric glam pop band Scissor Sisters' 2004 coming out single "Take Your Mama" performed by Texas.

Texas is an alternative group from Glasgow.

No telling if there's a group from Amarillo calling themselves "Scotland."

"Un-break My Heart" by Steam Powered Giraffe

 

San Diego, California vaudeville steampunk robot pantomime act Steam Powered Giraffe give us an.... intriguing..... cover of "Un-break My Heart," a 1996 R&B ballad from Severn, Maryland singer/songwriter Toni Braxton.

"I Got You Babe" by Praytell

 

Welp. It's Groundhog Day. Again.

Here's Austin, Texas duo Praytell with their version of "I Got You Babe."

Toadsuck Symphony's version can be found here, Mudpie's version can be found here, and Night Bird's version can be found here.

"Rebel Girl" by The Luna Sequence

 

Oakland, California electronic rock project The Luna Sequence cover "Rebel Girl," a 1993 punk single from Olympia, Washington riot grrrls Bikini Kill.

"I'm Like a Bird" by Milky Chance

 

Kassel, Germany electrofolk reggae band Milky Chance cover "I'm Like a Bird," the 2000 folk pop single from Victoria, Canada worldbeat artist Nelly Furtado.

According to this article, humans are more closely related to reptiles than birds.

Then again, the Milky Chance guys do have air sacs and lightweight skeletons.  So, there's that.

"Smooth Operator" by The Dur

 

Warsaw, Poland area cover band The Dur cover "Smooth Operator," the 1984 quiet storm single from London, UK progressive soul artist Sade.

According to the Eating Well website, a crunchy operator would offer more health benefits than a smooth operator, though the differences are negligible.  

"What's the Use?" by Alaska Snack Time

 

Tel Aviv, Israel retro futuristic band Alaska Snack Time add some funk and autotuned vocals to "What's the Use?," a 2018 single from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania jazz rap artist Mac Miller.

"Better Off Alone" by Peach Kelli Pop

 

Ottawa, Canada garage power pop band Peach Kelli Pop cover "Better Off Alone," a 1998 international hit Eurotrance song from Amsterdam, Netherlands project Alice Deejay.

"Battleship Chains" by Volbeat

 

Copenhagen, Denmark psychobilly group Volbeat cover "Battleship Chains," a Southern boogie originally released by Atlanta based band Georgia Satellites in 1986.

According to the unofficial USS New Jersey website, the "50 foot long with a two-ton anchor" line is a gross underestimation.  Battleship chains are really 1.080 feet long with a fifteen-ton anchor.

Each chain link weighs over 100 pounds.

Battleship anchors be heavy.

For another Georgia Satellites cover, Sawyer Brown's version of "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" can be found here.

"Space Lord" by Firecrest

 

Stockholm, Sweden band Firecrest perform a stripped-down cover of "Space Lord," a 1998 stoner rock single from Red Bank, New Jersey psychedelic group Monster Magnet.

"Dead Flowers" by Side Peace

 

Side Peace, the bar duo from Delco, cover "Dead Flowers," a 1971 country tinged single from London, UK rockers The Rolling Stones.

I wish 1-800-FLOWERS had an option to send dead flowers by the US Mail.... because $40.00 for live tulips?  Screw all of that noise.

Over Chris's right shoulder, we can see the very Delco Miller Lite ad with the Eagles logo.

Go Birds.

For more Stones covers, The Concretes version of "Miss You" can be found here, and Rage Against the Machine's version of "Street Fighting Man" can be found here.

"Escapade" by Max Headroom

 

This is Utah based band Max Headroom covering "Escapade," a 1990 dance pop song from Gary, Indiana singer/dancer/actress Janet Jackson.

As the musicians are all high school students, they derive their name from a short-lived television series that last aired over a decade before any of the ensemble were conceived.

For another Janet cover, the Warmen version of "Black Cat" can be found here.

"Johnny B Goode" by Banda AL9

 

Here is Sao Paulo, Brazil group Banda AL9 with their rendition of "Johnny B Goode," originally performed by St Louis, Missouri rock pioneer Chuck Berry in 1958.

Well, that's only partly true.  When Banda AL9 traveled back to the mid 1950's and attended a school dance in Porto Alegre, they filled in on guitar when one of the musicians hurt his hand.

Upon hearing the shredding on electric guitar, the injured musician phoned Chuck Berry and said,

"Chuck, é Marvin.  Seu primo, Marvin Berry.  Sabe aquele novo som que você está procurando?  Bem, ouça isso!"

I didn't even know that Chuck Berry spoke Portuguese.  

"The Way I Am" by The Petersens

 

The Duggar vibes are strong with Branson, Missouri family band The Petersens.

Or, maybe they're "Midsommar" vibes.  Hard to tell sometimes. That Ozark backdrop is definitely Midsommar.

Here, they bring their tight harmonies, a ukulele, and a DOBRO(!) aboard for their version of "The Way I Am," the 2006 platinum indie folk single from New York City singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson.  

Quick word of advice for the dobro player: if anyone in the Petersen family asks for you to put on a bear suit, don't.

"The Pursuit of Vikings" by Arsames

 

In my humble opinion, death metal is the absolute worst.  Between the dissonant chords and the guttural growls, it's barely listenable, if at all.

If you're into the scene for whatever reason (who hurt you?), consider supporting Arsames.

They're a melodic death metal trio from Mashhad, Iran.

A nation where metal music is forbidden.

They've been jailed for the crime of playing music.  Which is beyond stupid.  As is trying to legislate morality in general.  Don't do that.

So, though I think their music is straight ass, I would love to see them thrive in the industry as a colossal middle finger waved at theocratic rule.

Here, they cover "The Pursuit of Vikings," a 2004 "song" from Swedish band Amon Amarth.

Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" by Skylark

 

If you haven't been ignoring the news as much as I have, you're likely aware that today is Inauguration Day. 

Here's Milan, Italy symphonic metal band Skylark with their rendition of "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)," a 1988 power ballad from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania glam rockers Cinderella.

The song is the aftermath of losing the things that we all too often take for granted, like a romantic relationship, or women's bodily autonomy, or affordable health care, or LGBTQ rights, or standards for education, or Social Security benefits, or a sense of decorum in the Oval Office, or, you know.... stuff.

"Come and Get Your Love" by Hooray for Our Side

 

Orange County, California ska band Hooray for Our Side cover "Come and Get Your Love," the 1973 single from Native American fronted Los Angeles based band Redbone.

"Come and Get Your Love" is a perfect song for a ska band to cover, seeing as though they're super horn-y.

"Wagon Wheel" by Ashley Caranci and Chris

 

This footage was from a show last night in Glenolden, PA.  As the wreath behind the band signifies, it's ALWAYS Christmas in Delco, Pennsylvania.

If you have trouble reading the "Upcoming Events" sign to their left because of my excessively dirty iPhone lens, the band was billed as Ashley Caranci and Chris.

Poor Justin, the human metronome on the box drum, got left off of the marquee.  Again.

Here's their version of "Wagon Wheel," a song first released by Nashville, Tennessee Americana string band Old Crow Medicine Show in 2004.

"After Midnight" by Muskrat Lightning

 

Ocean City. Maryland improvisational group Muskrat Lightning let it all hang out on their version of "After Midnight," a 1966 swamp rock song from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma guitarist JJ Cale, which was popularized four years later on the eponymous debut album from Surrey, UK artist Eric Clapton.

For more Clapton covers, the Love Runs Blind version of "Wonderful Tonight" can be found here, and the Autumn Boukadakis version of "Lay Down Sally" can be found here.

"Mad World" by Doom Flamingo

 

Charleston, South Carolina synthwave sextet Doom Flamingo take the 1982 art pop single "Mad World" from Bath, UK duo Tears for Fears and stretch it out to an eight minute long epic like it's a sonic Caramello bar.

For more Tears for Fears covers, the Japanese Breakfast version of "Head Over Heels" can be found here, and Lorde's version of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" can be found here.

"I Believe I Can Fly" by Dopapod

 

Boston, Massachusetts progressive rock group Dopapod cover "I Believe I Can Fly," the inspirational 1996 song from disgraced R & B artist R Kelly.

With this remake, Dopapod proved that not only are they a jam band..... they're also a "Space Jam" band.

"Stick Season" by Summer Rios

 

Brunswick, Ohio teen and "American Idol" alum Summer Rios gets folksy on her version of "Stick Season," the 2022 breakout hit for Strafford, Vermont singer/songwriter Noah Kahan.

From the lyrics:

'Cause your voice trailed off exactly as you passed my exit sign
You kept on drivin' straight and left our future to the right

Assuming that he's talking about Interstate 89, the driver passed by the exit for Sharon, and drove to either South Royalton or White River Junction.

"Always Be My Baby" by Tim Halperin

 

Do do doop, Do do doop do doop da dum.

Omaha, Nebraska alternative pop artist Tim Halperin covers "Always Be My Baby," a 1996 R&B single from Huntington, New York singer/songwriter Mariah Carey.

"The Night We Met" by Ilona

 

Ukrainian guitarist and singer Ilona covers "The Night We Met," a 2015 single from Los Angeles, California by way of Michigan indie folk artist Lord Huron.  

"Another Girl, Another Planet" by The Dark Marbles

 

It's 11 minutes after 1:00 AM on January 11th, or 1:11 on 1/11.

So, here's Buffalo, New York garage band The Dark Marbles with their cover of "Another Girl, Another Planet," originally a single released by London, UK new wave band The Only Ones in 1978.

"Titanium" by Altered Sky

 

Glasgow, Scotland alt rock band Altered Sky cover "Titanium," a 2011 release from French house music producer and DJ David Guetta.

I was surprised that the crowd was singing along to this completely unfamiliar tune, then looked up the original version.  Nearly 2 billion streams.  Huh.  Ain't that something.  

"Chain of Fools" by Little Caesar

 

Los Angeles, California glam rock band Little Caesar cover "Chain of Fools," originally a single released by Memphis, Tennessee First Lady of Soul Aretha Franklin in 1967.

Soon after releasing this cover song, Little Caesar stopped making music and started making pizza.

For another Aretha cover, Atlas Band's version of "Freeway of Love" can be found here.

"Beautiful Things" by Leire

 

Leire, a professional busker originally from Bermeo, Spain, absolutely crushes this performance of "Beautiful Things," a Tik Tok propelled single from Monroe, Washington singer songwriter Benson Boone.

Though not specified in the video description, the Pizza Hut in the background and the pedestrians carrying bright yellow bags from The Lego Store lead me to believe that this footage was shot on the Northeast corner of Leicester Square.

"Somebody to Shove" by No Trigger

 

Worcester, Massachusetts melodic hardcore band No Trigger cover "Somebody to Shove," a 1992 power pop gem from Minneapolis, Minnesota post-grungers Soul Asylum.

For another Soul Asylum cover, Sixth Finger's version of "Runaway Train" can be found here.

For a cover by Soul Asylum, their version of "School's Out" can be found here.

"We Can't Stop" by Halloran and Kate

 

Halloran and Kate may sound like the protagonists in a 1980's buddy cop show, but they're actually an acoustic duo hailing from Draper, Utah.

Here's their chill take on "We Can't Stop," the 2013 mid-tempo electropop banger from Franklin, Tennessee artist Miley Cyrus.

For more Miley covers, Sondre Lerche's version of "Wrecking Ball" can be found here, and Tokyo Police Club's version of "Party in the USA" can be found here.

For a cover by Miley, her version of "Head Like a Hole" can be found here.

"Small Town Boy" by Paradise Lost

 

Brixton, UK synth pop trio Bronski Beat had their 1984 gay anthem "Small Town Boy" reworked into something a bit more ominous by Halifax, UK metal band Paradise Lost.

"Slither" by Palarandra

 

Springfield, Missouri four-piece Palarandra wriggle through their cover of "Slither," the 2004 debut single from San Diego, California area supergroup Velvet Revolver.

"Rump Shaker" by Heathen Sun

 

Wilmington, North Carolina nu metal band Heathen Sun add aggressive riffs and ski masks to "Rump Shaker," the 1992 new jack swing single from Harlem, New York rappers Wreckx-n-Effect.

Ski masks?  In North Carolina? On a beach?  In the summer?

That drummer's a trooper.  With an itchy face.

"Wild, Wild West" by Flexor T

 

Northern Washington state country rock band Flexor T cover "Wild, Wild West," a 1988 release from London, UK pop band The Escape Club.  

For a modern-day escape club, The Nemesis Club in Phoenix, Arizona is among the best venues for interactive mysteries and escape room puzzles.  

"Start Again" by Counting Crows

 

Happy New Year!

To kick things off, here's San Francisco, California roots rock band Counting Crows, with their version of "Start Again." a 1997 single from Glasgow, Scotland jangle rockers Teenage Fanclub.

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.