The Wood Brothers- P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)

The Wood Brothers cover Michael Jackson's P.Y.T. It's a pretty iconic song so covering it has be done well, real well. I feel like The Wood Brothers were able to accomplish that. Consisting of an acoustic guitar with some slide guitar elements, a upright bass, a melodica (key-flute/pianica), and an improvised, non traditional instrument known simply as a shit-ar. When laying eyes on it, you'll realize why they refer to it as that. However, I will give them points for creativity and uniqueness for this instrument which is basically a beat up guitar with various "noise makers" attached to it.

Anyway, their cover was so amazing. Oliver Wood has really unique vocals especially for this type of song. Not only did their instrumentation bring new flavor to the song but his vocals did as well. They made this song their own while giving the original justice. I may even go as so far to say that I prefer this cover to the original. They gave it an upbeat folk feel and the slide guitar parts were awesome. Especially, during the bridge/break when they substituted MJ's 'na na na's" for a slide guitar riff. Amazing.



Original: 
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
http://youtu.be/_-3JYuv9w4U

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