Monday, July 30, 2012

Heroes for Just One Day

Fun fact I learned in library school: researchers at one large public library discovered that about most of the items people check out are ones that they found through browsing (as opposed to ones on a list, or ones they'd put on hold). The library is all about serendipity, like finding that hidden treasure on a shelf, or grabbing a choice item that's on display. This is just as true for music as it is for books. My favorite impulse checkout CD so far is War Child Presents: Heroes.
This turned out to be probably the best compilation of cover songs. Ever. Just listen to Lily Allen covering The Clash's "Straight to Hell" if you don't believe me. Joe Strummer was her godfather, which adds an extra layer of poignancy to this excellent track. Other highlights: the Yeah Yeah Yeahs doing a version of "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker" (by, I probably don't have to tell you, The Ramones) that's light and fun, Franz Ferdinand delivers a dark and creepy version of Blondie's "Call Me," and The Scissor Sisters offer a dancey riff on a lesser-known song, Roxy Music's "Do the Strand." And of course this couldn't be titled "Heroes" without a version of the classic Bowie song. TV on the Radio do an excellent (as usual) job with it -- dare I say, better than the original!

What are some of your favorite covers? Leave a comment and share!

Happy listening,
Jenny

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