Covers

This week’s entry was inspired by a covers-infused dinner Noise Pop put on with local SF supper club graffEats on May 25, 2011. The chef prepared dishes that were covers of famous chefs’ dishes, with which Noise Pop paired cover songs. So every song in this episode is a cover. Taking it a step further Dawson and the team explore the different ways a cover can be done. To gain some insight Jesse and Dawson speak with Josh Modell, A.V. Club‘s Editor-in-Chief, about his fantastic Undercover series. With some help from Josh, the gang focuses on the recent past and finds covers of artists all over the spectrum from Joanna Newsom to Kermit the Frog. NOTE: There is no Ear About Town this episode, however it will return next time.

Track list:

Serious

“Such Great Heights” (The Postal Service) — Iron & Wine, Garden State Soundtrack
“Bridges and Balloons” (Joanna Newsom) — The Decemberists, Live
“He Hit Me” (The Crystals) — Grizzly Bear, Friend

Ironic

“We Built This City” (Starship) — Cursive, A.V. Undercover
“It’s not Easy Bein’ Green” (Kermit the Frog) — Andrew Bird, Live
“Relief” (R. Kelly), — Sam Amidon, I See the Sign

Post-Ironic

“One More Try” (George Michael) — Iron & Wine, A.V. Undercover
“Since U Been Gone/Maps” (Kelly Clarkson, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) — Ted Leo, Live
“Take On Me” (A-ha) — AC Newman, Starbuck’s Sweetheart Compilation
“Jolene” (Dolly Parton) — The White Stripes, single

Songs That Sound Nothing Like the Original

“Love is a Battlefield” (Pat Benatar) — Thao and Mirah,New, Improved, Live session
“I Found a Reason” (Velvet Underground) — Cat Power, The Covers Record

Songs Better Than the Original

“Limit to your Love” (Feist) James Blake, self-titled

Songs Not as Good as the Original

“I Wish I Was in New Orleans” (Tom Waits) — Scarlett Johansson, Anywhere I Lay My Head
“All My Friends” (LCD Soundsystem) — Franz Ferdinand, single