Kate's CD - Mix Club Two: Covers

Yeah. This is late. I’m sorry Kate. Those of you that read my regular blog know that things have been slightly nutty of the work front, but to be honest not so nutty that I am so behind. Sorry.

Kate put together a CD of covers. What was fun about this was the only cover version I was familiar with was Cracker’s Rainy Days and Mondays. The rest of them were new to me which is always groovy.

1. Any Major Dude Will Tell You- Wilco

I really like this song. Has a really hippy feel. . . and this may be a sin. . . but I prefer it to Steely Dan. I have one question. What’s a squonk?

2. Jumpin’ Jack Flash Flash – Alex Chilton

You can’t help but be aware of the source when you hear this version. . . but it’s really great and Chilton has this gravely voice and really nice clear phrasing.

3. Happiness Is A Warm Gun – The Breeders

Great version. It ain’t the Beatles, but hell, only the Beatles were the Beatles.

4. Beautiful Stranger – Jon Aver

I couldn’t figure out why I knew this song and then I did a search and realized it was a Madonna tune. He has a nice voice but it feels white bread to me. Maybe my knowing it’s Madonna and the inner battle of my soul of how much she annoys me and actually liking her because she is catchy is turning me against it.

5. Smoke On The Water – Senor Coconut

Ah Kate. This version is bloody inspired. You probably knew I would love this. (Kate and I used to work together.) It’s so cheesy. Fantastic. It is so different from Deep Purple but is so much fun. I need to look at more of his stuff.

6. Satisfaction – Devo

Fun. Ain’t the Stones, but hell, only the Stones were The Stones.

7.Heart of Glass – The Bad Plus

I’m not sure why I don’t totally like this. It’s a jazz version of the song..I like jazz. I like Blondie. I like this song. This version however makes me feel like a cat in a bath.

8. Rainy Days and Mondays – Cracker

I came across this version maybe three, four years ago during a drunkin iTunes purchasing session. What I love about it is it has the spirit of the Carpenters but is still so unique with his voice that isn’t really beautiful.

9. Wave of Mutilation – Grant Lee Phillips

I love this version. Really. Love it. Will you hate me if I tell you I like it more than the Pixies?

10. One More Cup of Coffee – White Stripes

When I die, when I come back in my next life can I be someone groovy and cool and talented like Bob Dylan or Jack or Meg White?

11. Hotel California – Gipsy Kings

I have already gone on and on in a previous review about how I adore the Gipsy Kings. And like many people, I also love The Eagles. This may be my favorite tune on this cd.

12. Sea of Love – Cat Power

I love the version by The Honeydrippers I like Cat Power. I like this version. I just don’t love it. . .

13. Your Cheatin’ Heart – Beck

I don’t think I know the Hank Williams version of this. . . I think Patsy is my point of reference for it. This is a nice version.

14. Sweet Child of Mine – Luna

Really like this version of this song. . .

15. If I Needed Someone – Nellie McKay

So very different from The Beatles, but it has its own charm. I’m not at all familiar with her but I am going to check her out.

16. Dr Wu – The Minutemen

Another Steely Dan cover. I don’t know The Minutemen but I am also adding them to my must check out pile. Interesting sound. Not sure if I dig the two vocals together. . . Or does it work because they don’t work together.

17. Love Will Tear Us Apart - Susanna and the Magical Orchestra

Languid. Quiet. Nothing like Joy Division. Eerie.

18. Let’s Dance – M. Ward

Oooooo sexy song. Love the Bowie of course, but this is just a guy and a guitar (well and a harmonica)

Overall- Fan-flipping-tastic CD. The structure works well together and they are all covers that are really rather different from the original.

I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for putting it together for me!