Monthly Mixtape: Judge This Song By Its Cover

COVER SONGS. You either loathe them, tolerate them, or dedicate your life to them.

You know exactly where you stand.

I’d like to think I’m a healthy mix. While I can remember the days when I was playing bass guitar and singing in my old bands, people would ask, “You’re in a band? Cool! Is it a cover band?”

My head would explode off of my body, leaving a trail of angry neck lava, “NO WE ARE NOT A COVER BAND. WE PLAY OUR OWN, ORIGINAL, UNIQUE SONGS. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU.”

(looks around to make sure no one is watching)

“…But I can play you a Lisa Loeb song if you want. Just don’t tell anyone.”

People LOVE cover songs. It’s that little connector at a party, reception, or dance. Once you hear, “omg this is our saaaawwwwng!,” people lose their freaking minds and get all nostalgic and sappy and drooly and sobby. It’s wonderful.

BUT. They have to be done right. I’m not talking about the 55 thousandth rendition of Mustang Sally. Hail no, y’all. I need my cover songs to be familiar, but a new take. Something fresh, but still tug at those heart strings of reminiscence.

Also! Let me make something clear. I’m not saying these songs are better than the originals. But deeeeuuuum are they incredible slash interesting versions.

Also also! Let’s play a game. (<–you know how I love a good game) Based on just the song title, OR when you’re listening to the mixtape today while you’re cleaning, working, noodling around, can you tell me what bands/artists are being covered? I LOVE GAMES.

I give you . . . the “Judge This Song By Its Cover” mix.

Here’s another link, if this works better fer ya.

“Judge This Song By Its Cover”

And you should definitely know, Spotify didn’t have two of my very very favorite cover songs – “Wild Horses” by The Sundays (originally The Rolling Stones), and “Beeswing” by Cory Branan (originally Richard Thompson). I’ve since grieved my losses and moved on.

Tell me your favorite covers! But if you say Mustang Sally we are FINISHED.

previous mixtapes: (holy cow I’ve put you through a lot)

the “Parachute Pants and Saxophone Solos” mix

the “Couple Skate” mix

the “Champagne and Diet “mix

the “Zuzu’s Petals and Eggnog” mix

the “Mix About Fire” mix

the “Trick-or-Treat, Smell-My-Feet” mix

the “Crunchy Bangs and Flannel” mix

the “Birthday Candles and Rosé” mix

the “Fireworks and Lemonade” mix