By Loud Atlas
There's a certain kind of magic in acoustic covers of songs. They make songs feel more human. With fewer distractions, the song is opened up anew, emotions and lyrics taking on a more prominent role. For some artists it also allows them to re-imagine their own work, and reconnect with their audience. With generally fewer instruments involved too, acoustic covers allow the ear to focus much more on the core of what we enjoy so much about music – the emotional connection.
This week the lists have pleasingly taken on a much wider global span than I was expecting. It's been a delight to listen to your nominations.
Britney re-done by a folk maestro
Perhaps a master of melancholy in the studio, but what a charmer Richard Thompson is live. Oops! I Did It Again is a lively cover of the turn of the century pop song, distinctly different to his usual fare. In his hands the sound and lyrics take on a different vibe. And as a bonus, there's no necklace-themed spoken interlude either, mercifully.
Nirvana covered by a not-so grunge group
Ah, "the jumping flea", the mini acoustic instrument famed for its bright happy sound. Perfect for Smells Like Teen Spirit then. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain come prepared, suits and all. With a wry smile and perfectly clear lyrics, they give the song a different, softer, edge.
Radiohead re-told by a choir of angelic voices
The original Creep was sung by a mid-twenties Thom Yorke grappling with his identity and accompanied by rocky distortion. But here performed by Scala & Kolacny Brothers, through the prism of an angelically-voiced Belgian choir, the song reaches a higher ethereal plain. There's a powerful contrast between the lyrics and the beautiful vocals.
Buzzcocks musically transformed by a comedian and his pals
I never knew Ade Edmondson (he of The Young Ones and Bottom fame) had a band until this week. This is The Bad Shepherds, his old mandolin-toting, violin-wielding folk band. A side step from the original's energy, this is a sweet heartfelt rendition of Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've).
Grateful Dead re-worked by a banjo virtuoso
Ever needed a Dead tune with slightly less Dead eclecticism and more banjo? Well, There's Help On The Way in the form of Béla Fleck, a double bass and a tabla. Lead vocals are provided by Oliver Wood (of The Wood Brothers band). This version retains the length of the original, but allows the banjo, tabla and double bass to shine over the lyrics, in an unlikely trio which sounds like a bluegrass jazz hybrid – "jazzgrass"/"blazz"?
The Rolling Stones re-rolled
This one doesn't seem too bold on the surface – a steady guitar finger-picked accompaniment, nothing too extraordinary, but listen for what's missing from (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction...Yes, that's it: imagine removing one of the most iconic choruses in rock history. But listen closer to Cat Power: this is a song without the rebellious sexual energy but with a quiet, weary frustration that simmers. Powerful stuff.
John Williams re-orchestrated by a quirky Japanese quartet
A long time ago in galaxy far, far away the world's most dastardly villain was accompanied by an equally menacing theme tune: The Imperial March. Here it is transformed somewhat. Has a recorder ever sounded more threatening? Kuricorder Quartet use a simple array of acoustic instruments to transport us to a very different vision of the somehow futuristic past. There's something charmingly blithe about the plodding tuba too.
David Bowie re-assembled by a contemplative Brazilian
The character portrayed by Brazilian actor/singer Seu Jorge performed a lot of Bowie tunes in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004). His character's songs are interwoven into the film, serving as mini kooky diversions. Here his version of Life On Mars? keeps things very simple and dreamy. Gone are the glam theatrics, and the splendid extravagant outro of the original. He's just a man longing for answers.
Gang of Four re-sculpted by percussive force
Traditional gamelan music from Sekar Melati, channelling the percussive nature of the post-punk original, really do strike a chord. Recorded in front of a live public audience, listen out for a baby's brief chirps throughout Not Great Men to add to the acoustics. A, well, striking performance!
Bruce Springsteen reborn
The only song in this list that's covered by its own artist next (the rest can be found in the Bs). Born In The U.S.A., with shimmering steel guitar, loses its original misinterpreted chest-thumping patriotism and reveals its inner workings. Bruce Springsteen was live on Broadway several years ago and sung this different beast of a song. Perhaps the way he wanted it to be heard, after all.
The Beatles re-jigged by South America vibes
The title, Chevere Monguolo, doesn't make much sense in English (Spanish translations vary), but regardless of that the melody is instantly recognisable. Alzheimer provide a terrific smorgasbord of Venezuelan sounds, an otherworldly feel to Got To Get You Into My Life, and a world away from its origins.
Kylie re-crafted by a Swedish craftsman
The 1989 dance-pop chart-topper, Hand On Your Heart is a pulsating glossy tune. The cover, though, takes a massive step back from that and its anthemic synths, with just the twinkling rhythmic guitar of Swede José González. Like with many of the solo acoustic tracks this week, there's a level of introspection involved too.
Simon & Garfunkel re-aerated by Japanese duo
Japanese sisters Charan Po Rantan love an accordion. Here they take a sweeping classic, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and pump new life into it, literally. Eccentrically performed, atmospheric and surreal!
New Order re-ordered by Australian indie band
Bizarre Love Triangle was originally fuelled by dance-floor electric energy. Here, Frente! strip things back in this version using airy vocals, and is delicately paced. It's the shortest piece of the week, but cuts deep.
Björk transformed by English musical connoisseur
I have to admit, I've never been a huge fan of Björk, but this rendition has made me hear her original in an altogether different light. Hyperballad, minus the pumping beats, and in the hands of Jacob Collier, is a thing of beauty. Soaring stuff.
Over in the Bs we have some artists covering their own work (I've tried to pick songs that sound a little different to the original), and as ever, despite the urge to have a 30-song A List, songs that I think can be revisited in future topics for their chance to shine.
Acoustic Expression A-List Playlist:
Richard Thompson - Oops! I Did It Again (live) (Uncleben)
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - Smells Like Teen Spirit (live) (barbryn)
Scala & Kolacny Brothers - Creep (live) (Uncleben)
The Bad Shepherds - Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've) (severin)
Béla Fleck - Help On The Way (Chris7572)
Cat Power - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (Uncleben)
Kuricorder Quartet - The Imperial March (severin)
Seu Jorge - Life On Mars? (pejepeine)
Sekar Melati - Not Great Men (live) (pejepeine)
Bruce Springsteen - Born In The U.S.A. (live on Broadway) (ParaMhor)
Alzheimer - Chevere Monguolo (ajostu)
José González - Hand On Your Heart (Noodsy)
Charan Po Rantan - Bridge Over Troubled Water (ajostu)
Frente! - Bizarre Love Triangle (Nicko)
Jacob Collier - Hyperballad (barbryn)
Soundbox B-List Playlist:
Björk - One Day (live) (barbryn)
Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus (acoustic) (Vikingchild)
Big Special - Black Dog / White Horse (acoustic) (barbryn)
Carolina Chocolate Drops - Hit 'Em Up Style (tincanman2010)
Sinéad O'Connor - All Apologies (ShivSidecar)
Leo Kottke - Eight Miles High (BanazirGalbasi)
Luvcat - Matador (strings version) (Noodsy)
Crosby, Stills & Nash - Marrakesh Express (demo) (AltraEgo)
Williams-Fairey Engineering Band - Let's Get Brutal (pejepeine)
Manic Street Preachers - Umbrella (acoustic) (happyclapper)
Gary Jules - Mad World (SongBarLandlord)
Joan Armatrading - Down To Zero (live) (bluepeter)
Rodrigo y Gabriela - Stairway To Heaven (Nicko)
Bernard Sumner - Love Will Tear Us Apart (acoustic) (MussoliniHeadkick)
The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Anthology 3 version) (AltraEgo)
Guru's Wildcard Picks:
Foo Fighters - Everlong (acoustic)
A driving acoustic guitar and Dave Grohl's supressed vocals make this version work for me. Still anthemic despite the lack of the band.
Damon Albarn - Seasons In The Sun
A slowly finger-picked guitar, revealing a tenderness not shown in the original. Melancholic, with a lovely bit of squeak on the strings too.
Covering all angles: The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain
These playlists were inspired by readers' song nominations in response to last week's topic: Less becomes new: striking acoustic song versions. The next topic will launch on Thursday after 1pm UK time.
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