Walk Off The Earth- Polly

Here's another cover by Walk Off The Earth because I couldn't just post one. Polly by Nirvana is one the most depressing sounding song I've ever heard. With Kurt Cobain's low vocals, drop d tuning on his guitar, and the lyrics of either a bird named Polly or a kidnapping of a girl named Polly, it was bound to sound depressing. But that's what made it such a good song.

Walk Off The Earth kept the same tempo and "uninterested" tone but they did add something new to it. You guessed it, a ukulele. Some might say that ukulele can't be used in slow depressing songs because it defeats the purpose of a uke. I mean ukuleles are associated with happiness and it's high, upbeat sound just doesn't mash with slower songs. I, on the other hand, think they can be used in any song. If any one can take a uke and a turn a slow sad song into an upbeat cover then kudos to them.
So, the addition to the ukulele in this song is awesome and I give them two thumbs up for it! Enjoy!



Original:
Polly-Nirvana
http://youtu.be/Qd3rpF9v-1o

Walk Off The Earth-Someone Like You

Walk Off The Earth is best known for their cover of Somebody That I Used To Know in which five people played on one acoustic guitar simultaneously. It went viral really fast and they even performed it on Ellen.

Even though they are not sharing one instrument in this cover of Someone Like You, they are switching instruments with each other throughout the cover. To me, that's pretty impressive to be able to do that while keeping time and tempo. Another plus about this cover is the use of an upright bass and a ukulele. You just can't go wrong with those instruments. The vocals were also amazing. I loved her low, raspy voice. This proves that not every great singer has to be a soprano because altos are just as great and powerful! So enjoy!



Original:
Someone Like You by Adele
http://youtu.be/hLQl3WQQoQ0

Taken By Trees-Sweet Child O' Mine

Taken By Trees could not have picked a better power ballad and turn into a typical folk/indie song. While it is a good cover it's just missing the raw energy Axl Rose's vocals and the intense "in your face" power of Slash's guitar. I know that they could not duplicate those things exactly and that the point of covers it to make it your own and apply your musical style. I just couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing but it is still great cover.

They did take a power ballad and turn it into a fokish indie song with a slow tempo. The main riff played in the original is usually played by an electric guitar. In this cover it is played by a piano with light drums in background and an acoustic guitar playing rhythm. I really enjoy the arrangement of the instruments in the chorus especially the piano and drums. It sounds amazing. Although it does not have kick ass guitar solo the fade out of the piano and the "ah's" have to due. Enjoy!

Original: 

Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses

Michael Winslow-Whole Lotta Love

Michael Winslow is mostly known for his amazing talent of creating sound effects with his mouth. You name any type of sound and this guy will mostly likely recreate it. In this video, he covers Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love but not by singing it although he does sing a little bit in the beginning. The amazing part about this video is that he recreates the sound of the electric guitar and even performs the guitar solo dead on. It's just crazy to see him perform all these sounds with just his mouth! It may not exactly be a cover but it is still an amazing performance of the song. Enjoy!



Original: 
Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin
http://youtu.be/jRiGOjHFsgg

The Mamas & The Papas- Dream A Little Dream of Me

Most people did not know that Dream A Little Dream of Me by The Mamas & The Papas is actually a cover. It was originally recorded by Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra in 1931. Over the years it the song has been covered by dozens of performers including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and so many more.

The Mamas and The Papas version is the most recognized of all the other covers. Mama Cass sings this song with such grace and class. Every time I hear this song I think of 1920's performer singing in a late night jazz club and I definitely think that is the visual they were going for. The song also puts the listener into a trance like state almost like a lullaby except without wanting to fall asleep. This cover is truly amazing and my all-time favorite song from The Mamas & Papas. It's just so good you are not going to want to stop listening.  Enjoy!



Original:
Dream A Little Dream of Me by Ozzie Nelson and His Orcestra
http://youtu.be/-AqkSg1EU-0

Other covers worth listening to:
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
http://youtu.be/j6TmogXhOZ8

Michael Buble
http://youtu.be/asDvLON9PUU

AJ Rafael and Nina Faye- How Deep Is Your Love

AJ Rafael has so many awesome covers that I could not just do one. So here is one more for the night but it probably won't be the last in this blog.

How Deep Is Your Love was made famous by the Bee Gees and is my favorite songs by them. When I saw the video in the sidebar on AJ's channel I immediately clicked on it. I had to see it they did the song justice and they did! He sings this song with Nina Faye who has amazing vocals. AJ's vocals are not too bad either and he has the ability to sing with others with different vocal ranges and styles.

This cover is simple but beautiful and that's what makes it so good. The little scat part in the middle of the song was also a nice addition too. Enjoy!



Original:
How Deep Is Your Love by Bee Gees
http://youtu.be/XpqqjU7u5Yc

Doo Wop (That Thing) A Cappella

This A Cappella version of Doo Wop is amazing. I'm not familiar with everyone participating in the video but I did recognize Tori Kelly and AJ Rafael in the video. Both of them are known for posting videos of themselves singing covers, jamming with friends, or singing originals. They are both very talented musicians and you should definitely check them out.

In this cover, each person is singing a different part of the song, either various vocal parts or instrument parts. When it all comes together, it sounds awesome. So there is no actual instruments being played or at least being played on camera. A cajon can be heard being played in the background towards the middle of the video. Other than that each person is singing the various parts of the song.

The actual lyrics of the song are being sung by Jumoke Hill and he just absolutely kills it. He walked in singing like a boss in this video. He definitely brought the soul and power to this cover.



Original:
Doo Wop (That Thing) by Lauryn Hill
http://youtu.be/zz8_aQY27dc

AJ Rafael YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/ilajil
Tori Kelly YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ToriKelly

Seth G.- Lights

Seth G. covers "Lights" by Ellie Goulding and makes it amazing. However, it's not just any cover. Seth G. doesn't "wow" us with amazing vocals but with the beautiful sound of the violin. Violins have a way of taking a song and making it powerful and beautiful no matter what an that's just what happens with "Lights" in this cover. Seth G. plays with such emotion and beauty that "Lights" because ten times more powerful. Compared to the original, the cover is definitely on a whole other emotional level and by that I mean the way the listener is affected by it. I hope this video brings a new appreciation of the violin to many people who might feel this instrument is outdated or unconventional for today's music. Enjoy!

Original: 

"Lights" by Ellie Goulding 

http://youtu.be/uqLGuRX_nLM

Joseph Gordon-Levitt-Ignition

Who doesn't love Joseph Gordon-Levitt?! If you don't you definitely will after watching his cover of R. Kelly's "Iginition" and if you already do this is just going to make you love him even more. He clearly is more than just an actor and he definitely surprised with his talents on guitar and singing.  This is a cover that was done for fun in front of an audience at OSU and he did a really great job performing it. Enjoy!



Original:
"Ignition"- R. Kelly
http://youtu.be/y6y_4_b6RS8

The Civil Wars- Billie Jean

The Civil Wars cover Michael Jackson's popular song "Billie Jean" and it's just awesome. John Paul White sings lead vocals and plays the acoustic guitar in this cover while Joy Williams is doing backup. Both their voices are amazing in this cover and they really do complement each other so well. They give the song a country-folk feel which is definitely different than the original's upbeat pop sound. Instead of strumming through the entire song, John Paul White uses a finger picking pattern which furthers the country feel. However, he plays it at a slower tempo which also gives it a darker feel which is perfect because it gives more depth to the song.

The Civil Wars really did an amazing job with song. It's a shame that they are no longer playing together because this duo had it all. They had amazing chemistry,they are crazy talented, and they had the musical capabilities to make it big. Hopefully later on down the road they will get back together and make more beautiful music but for now enjoy this cover!



Original:
"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
http://youtu.be/75sx7U6dAB4

Flearoy- Say My Name

This was probably one of the first cover I heard and thought "Wow, covers don't have to be exactly like the original." That's what everyone usually assumes what covers should be like but covers are also a chance for the band/musician to add their own musical style to the song.

Flearoy does that with "Say My Name." A typical R&B song, Flearoy turns it into a folkish acoustic song that works on so many levels. I enjoyed this cover than the original which is saying much. "Say My Name" is not the only Destiny's Child song they have covered. Flearoy has also covered "Bills, Bills, Bills" which just as good too. They are one of my favorite bands that I have discovered off of YouTube and I definitely encourage you to check them out. Enjoy!



Original:
"Say My Name" by Destiny's Child
http://youtu.be/sQgd6MccwZc

Jake Shimabukuro-While My Guitar Gently Weeps

THIS IS AMAZING! Sorry for "shouting" text but this cover deserves it. Jake Shimabukuro is awesome! What he is able to do on his ukelele is crazy and I've never seen or heard anyone else do that kind of intense playing before or after.

When I was learning how to play ukelele I was looking at YouTube videos of various people showing off their talent on the tiny instrument but none of them even compared to what Jake Shimabukuro was doing. When I saw this cover I was completely flabbergasted and I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing. Never in a million years did I think someone can take such a guitar oriented song and make a ukelele cover. Obviously, I underestimated the power and capabilities of the ukelele and Jake Shimabukuro definitely unleashes these things for the world to see.

This not his only cover of classic songs. He also has a cover of freaking "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen and just nails it. He not only limits himself to covers and has his own original songs. I definitely encourage you to check out his videos because he truly is gifted in playing this tiny four string instrument. Enjoy!



Original:
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles
 http://youtu.be/F3RYvO2X0Oo

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
http://youtu.be/PB3RbO7updc

Zee Avi- First Of The Gang To Die

Zee Avi covers Morrissey's classic "First Of The Gang To Die." This is an absolutely amazing cover that Zee Avi keeps simple but classy. The only instrument used is an acoustic guitar that accompanies Zee Avi's soft but soothing voice so well.

The guitar uses a picking pattern instead of being constantly strummed which gives it a spanish/flamencoesque style but at steady tempo. Because of the song's steady tempo it sounds a little like a lullaby as well. Which just puts the listener into this calming dream-like trance. It's definitely a cover song to sit back and lounge to.




Original:
"First of the Gang to Die" by Morrissey
http://youtu.be/3qgn1Rc0YJ4

Goldfinger- 99 Red Balloons

"99 Red Balloons" is a pretty recognizable tune. Everyone has heard it at least once and probably had it  stuck in their head as well. If you have heard of this song then you can probably remember trying to sing along to it. It may have been a bit difficult since the song was originally performed in German. That's because "99 Red Balloons" was written and performed originally by Nena, a German pop-rock band. Lucky for those who don't speak or understand German, Nena recorded an English version as well.

Goldfinger covers the 1983 hit by adding elements of ska and punk rock. This version of the song is more intense and "head banging," which I found myself doing throughout the song. Goldfinger did a great job adding their music style but keeping it to the original. Lead singer, John Feldmann even sang some of the lyrics in German which is the language sang in the original.
Enjoy!



Original:
"99 Red Balloons" by Nena (German version)
http://youtu.be/9whehyybLqU

(English version)
http://youtu.be/14IRDDnEPR4

Ryan Beatty - Valerie

"Valerie," the song made famous by Amy Winehouse. It was originally played by The Zutons but Amy Winehouse sang who own version of it which made "Valerie" a hit.

Ryan Beatty is best known on YouTube for posting himself singing covers of songs. Some might compare him to Justin Bieber but this kid deserves more than to just be called Justin Bieber 2.0. He has an amazing voice that far exceeds that of Justin Bieber.

"Valerie" is a difficult song to sing and because it's a soulful, bluesy song that doesn't make it any easier. People with the right type of soulful voice is hard to come by but Ryan Beatty is able to accomplish this in the cover. His voice is not, by all means as soulful as Amy Winehouse's but he manages to make this cover his own. With just an acoustic guitar and piano to accompany his voice and played at a slower tempo, the cover is given a more jazz/soul feel compared to Amy Winehouse's upbeat version. It really is an impressive cover. Enjoy!



Original:
"Valerie" by Amy Winehouse
http://youtu.be/cQVxFPxYyw0

Phantom Planet- Somebody's Baby

Who knew that Phantom Planet had another song besides "California" which was featured in the opening credits of The O.C. For all you die hard Phantom Planet fans (cause I'm sure there's so many) you would probably enjoy this post. Now, I'm only kidding with all the jokes...maybe, but Phantom Planet is a decent band. They definitely do not get the exposure and credit they deserve.

"Somebody's Baby" is probably most recognized as the song in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I know that's where I heard the song for first time. It was originally sung by Jackson Browne whose style consists of soft rock/folk with elements of country. However, Phantom Planet's cover is more fast-paced and in your face. Of course, it plays to their style of alternative rock.

This is one of my favorite songs and instantly fell in love with it when I heard it in the movie but when I heard that Phantom Planet did a cover of it I was a bit wary. Since I loved the original so much I was afraid they were not going to do it justice and possibly just ruin it. To my surprise I loved the cover more than original. I love how it's more fast-paced, the drums are more intense, and has more of a rock feel to it. And when I say "rock feel" it's more based off my generation's definition of "rock." The only downside to this cover is that it does not include that awesome piano intro/riff. Besides that it's a great cover and now Phantom Planet has two songs to their set list! Just kidding! Enjoy!



Original:
"Somebody's Baby"- Jackson Browne
http://youtu.be/M6pT_BDpnog

Edei- Just Dance

I never thought "Just Dance" could sound so good! While the original by Lady Gaga is overloaded with synthesizers and an overpowering drum beat this cover is kept simple. Don't get me wrong, I like the original and Lady Gaga has an amazing voice when it's not drowned out by synths but it's a party song and nothing more. However, with just the vocals of Edei and an acoustic guitar, "Just Dance" is shaped into something more than a party song.

First of all, I have to talk about the guy playing the guitar. Confession Time: I actually found this video because I was looking for the chords to this song and I got led to this cover. Anyway, the guitarist is amazing with the rhythm and structure of the cover especially during the pre-chorus. I think that's what makes this cover stand out a lot more among others.

Edie's voice only furthers that gap between other covers. However, I feel that her voice is a lot more powerful than what she lets us hear. At times you can sort of hear her getting to that point but then holds back. Although, even if she is holding back her voice is stunning already.
Enjoy!




Original
"Just Dance" by Lady Gaga
http://youtu.be/pmt36tvVE_U

Brenden MacFarlane-Just Another Day/House of the Rising Sun

I stumbled on one of Brenden MacFarlane's videos a year or so ago. Actually, the only real reason why I clicked on his video was because the title was "white kid sings the blues." I mean, I couldn't pass up a video with that kind of title and truthfully, I wasn't expecting to hear what I did. This kid could really sing the blues! My expression was the same as the guitar shop owner's face when this kid began to belt out "Just Another Day" by Sam Cooke & The Soul Stirrers. People usually say that the only way anyone can sing the blues properly is if they been through troubles and hardships. If that's the case this kid must have had a really tough life at a young age! It was unbelievable how much control he had over his voice and the notes he was hitting.

His cover of "House of the Rising Sun" is just as good as Just Another Day. I know how hard "House of the Rising Sun" is to sing so for him sing it with such ease is crazy. It's all natural for him which is amazing and I am truly jealous of his voice. Now it's been a few years since his cover of "Just Another Day" so his voice has definitely changed. Of course that happens but he still has an amazing voice. I definitely encourage you to check him out on YouTube. He has other covers that he's sung and even has an album out. For now, though,  enjoy his cover of  "Just Another Day" and "House of the Rising Sun"





ORIGINALS
"House of the Rising Sun" by Animals
http://youtu.be/bwAw9ThDQmk

"Just Another Day" by Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirrers
http://youtu.be/bwAw9ThDQmk

Hugo- 99 Problems

I never thought I would hear a bluegrass version of 99 Problems but I did and it was AMAZING! Hugo took Jay-Z's 99 Problems and did a complete 180 on it by making a bluegrass cover. I actually liked Hugo's version better than the original.
The instrumentation was excellent with the addition of a banjo and a harmonica. I mean, you just can't go wrong with a banjo and the harmonica solo just made it even better. And really, a bluegrass music video wouldn't be complete without a stuffed coyote and American flags in the background.
Enjoy!

Intros and such

Everybody enjoys a well done cover of a popular song. However, for musicians and bands covering a popular and well liked song is risky. The cover can either be magnificent or fail miserably and that's a gamble all musicians have to take when covering a song.

Whatever the case might be it is interesting to listen to how some musicians take a song and put their own style into it. Covering a song is not just copying chord for chord or note for note. It's about the musician(s) making it their own but also at the same time keeping it to the original and still giving it justice.

In this blog I will post a variety of cover songs done by various musicians and bands. Hopefully, you will come to enjoy cover songs as much as I do. 

Bonus Video!
Now, just for laughs, here's my friend and I's version of Nickelback's "How you Remind Me"
Enjoy!