Cru Jones Society

 

Some how I ended up reading an interview with Yuri from MxPx. I’m not sure which is more tragic, me reading the interview, or the fact that his name is Yuri. He mentioned that the band was just putting the final touches on a cover album. He said it was going to be an all 80′s cover album, but that it wouldn’t be the same old 80′s covers. Whatever Yuri, you go back to being the most unlikely chick magnet since this guy. The mention of the cover album got me thinking about my favorite cover songs. Now I thought I would share with everyone my five favorites. So if you’re tired of listening to the versions of songs with the “you fucked up” noise that Guitar Hero brings, give one of these ones a shot.

First I’d like to mention the ones that I am omitting. Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies. I like Me First, but the fact that they only exist to play cover songs makes me feel like it would be a cop out to include them on the list. For this same reason I am omitting tribute bands. I would like to say though that Hells Belles, an all female AC/DC (dammit I can’t make a lightning bolt with this keyboard) are fucking awesome!

I am also not including bands that have tried to become big with cover songs. Bands like the Lemon Heads, Ataris, and whatever that new band is that does that Cranberries cover. They sound exactly like the Cranberries sans the female vocals. So they sound like every 90′s alternative band, only not talented enough to write their own songs. Trying to make it big with a cover song is ultimately a kiss of death. Have you heard any other mainstream songs from these bands?

One last band that seems like it would make a good candidate for my favorites list is that band playing the wedding in the movie “Old School.” You know the one that adds swear words for no apparent reason. That was amusing at one point. But after hearing some douchey frat reject sing it every time I have had the unfortunate luck of being at a bar’s karaoke night I have to say that that song can die a venereal disease ridden death.

Ok, now that I got those out of the way on to the real list. Let’s start it off with a real fun one.

Reel Big Fish with Ali of Zebrahead covering “Unity,” originally performed by Operation Ivy.

Operation Ivy was a very influential ska-punk band. Their only problem? Not ska enough. They had the occasional saxophone, but relied on the inca-inca-inca guitar to create their ska sound. Reel Big Fish, however, have a full arsenal of horns and use them to their full potential. Combine that with the mad flow that Ali brings to every song; add in the Bwrando style energy that can be found at ska show. Bake for 3 minutes and 16 seconds and you have got one hell of a great cover.

Honorable Mention: Aquabats cover of “Knowledge” by Operation Ivy. Sung as a campfire sing-along.

Mighty Mighty Bosstones covering “Rudie Can’t Fail,” originally performed by The Clash.

The Clash: A big name in punk, maybe you’ve heard of them. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones: A big name in ska. So what better band could truly do justice to The Clash’s foray into the world of ska? If you said someone else you might be right, but I can’t hear you, so I’m right.

This song made the list for two reasons. First this is my favorite Clash song and the Bosstones did it justice. Second the Bosstones played this cover at Red Rocks, possibly the greatest concert venue ever. I’ve heard several bands do Clash covers, including my favorite band whose founding member idolizes Joe Strummer like he was his dad. But none of those covers even come close to this cover.

Honorable Mention: Cypress Hill’s “What’s Your Number.” OK it’s not a cover song, but Cypress Hill does sample “The Guns Of Brixton” by The Clash and it sounds pretty cool, as well as embodying the spirit that The Clash had to branch out into other genres.

Mad Caddies covering “S.O.S.” originally performed by Abba.

So far there is a theme here. Ska can make any song kick ass, even Scandinavian disco. This song wasn’t as popular as “Dancing Queen” or another Abba hit that I can’t name because I don’t listen to Abba, yeah that’s the ticket. But to choose a lesser-known song is a ballsy move. It shows that the Mad Caddies have some weird knowledge of Abba. I don’t ever recall hearing that song before the Caddies brought it into my life.

Honorable Mention: Bloodhound Gang covering the “Kids Incorporated Theme Song.” I don’t know any other disco covers, but Bloodhound tears it up with this cover from the 80′s television series.

Johnny Cash covering “Hurt,” originally performed by Nine Inch Nails.

Johnny Cash is the greatest American musician, in my eyes. He has done several covers but none seemed as poignant as “Hurt.” I am not a fan of Nine Inch Nails, but I will say that Trent Reznor wrote some great lyrics. When Cash got a hold of them, slowed the music down, and added soul, not like Motown soul, but actual human soul, he made that song amazing.

If I ever wrote a song that Johnny Cash decided to cover, I would do everything in my power to get my version removed from every radio station, and any new prints of my album, because there is no way that anyone would ever want to hear my version again. That is the power of the Man in Black.

Honorable Mention: Johnny Cash’s cover of the U2 song “One.” Once again the Cash man takes a song by a band that I don’t care for and makes it incredible.

Ome Henk covering “Neem Een Ander in de Maling (Barbie Girl)” originally performed by Aqua.

Essentially this is a Dutch version of the Aqua song “Barbie Girl.” I know some of you know it. It’s upbeat and poppy like the original, but a perky girl and a very angry sounding man sing it in Dutch. His full anger can be experienced at the 2:45 mark of this video.

The Dutch, um, ness? Of this song is what makes it fun. What makes it one of my all time favorites is the fact that there was a year in my life where at any given moment I could hear one of three of my male roommates singing along to it. I believe that a few times Limon was actually singing along to the Aqua version. Nothing will help a group of guys bond like Dutch versions of shitty dance songs.

When it comes down to it, this song is just funny. I hope you watch the clip loud enough for all your co-workers to hear.

Honorable Mention: None. “Neem Een Ander in de Maling” takes the cake.

Now I have to try to get that song out of my head.

Zie u in de kuil . . .

lee.s.hart@crujonessociety.com