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| Under Cover: The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” Posted: 18 Feb 2009 04:25 PM CST Mona deserves a break, so Bethany's taking over Under Cover this week to bring you Under Cover: The Killers edition. Rumor has it that the next release from The Killers will be an album entirely of covers. It isn't confirmed yet, but drummer Ronnie Vannucci has said that the band has been talking about putting together a collection where each member chooses three songs to cover. Now, the Killers have already done some really great covers like their renditions of Joy Division's "Shadowplay" and Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet", both of which can be found on their b-side album Sawdust. So while legions of fans wait with bated breath to see who the Killers would add to their list of covered artists, I decided that it would be fun to check out some artists who have decided to cover the Killers. Turns out they're a pretty popular group for people to cover, so look for the Killer to be a part of an Under Cover Series. – The Killers, 2004: "Mr. Brightside", original version from Hot Fuss Though not an incredibly complex song considering there is really just the one verse and chorus, the David Bowie-influenced hooked audiences and thrust the Killers into stardom. This was the first song that singer Brandon Flowers and guitarist Dave Keuning ever wrote together as the Killers. To this day, it remains the only song that the Killers have performed at every show. For a self-proclaimed optimist, "Mr. Brightside" has some awfully depressing lyrics juxtaposed with the cheery guitar riff. I love this song because it fascinates me to watch the psychotic breakdown in the lyrics: "Let me go," Flowers moans, but as the song progresses and isn't clear if he is looking for an out from the relationship or the jealousy's hold. As the guitar keeps repeating those riffs, the poor guy's relationship rut is drilled into the minds of listeners. Live, Flowers takes the song to an even more desperate, psychotic level by allowing the tension to build and adding at the top of his lungs, "Oh yes? No. no, no, no," before finally breaking and dropping down an octave into the “I never” section. I heard a rumor one time that there was more after that like “I never knew” or “I never knew love,” but I haven’t seen or actually heard anything from the band to confirm that, but it is still intriguing that the line may have changed. Though this song is kind of a glitzy version of love turned sour, I think almost anybody who has been cheated on or gone through a bad breakup can relate to the paranoid turmoil that ensues when thinking of a former lover in another's arms. The Killers - “Mr. Brightside” The Killers: website | myspace - McFly, 2005: "Mr. Brightside", cover version from b-side on "I Wanna Hold You" single About the time the Killers were releasing Hot Fuss and discovering their own audience, across the great pond was a UK pop punk act called McFly that was making their own waves. Their debut album Room on the 3rd Floor found them to be the youngest band to have a UK album debut at #1, an honor they stole from The Beatles. I suspect the band holds another unofficial record for performing the most cover songs. They seem to release a new one every other day, so it isn't surprising that they covered their Island Records labelmates', the Killers, biggest single. Now, their version isn't bad. But it also isn't very original. I had hoped for a bit more of a pop/punk feel, but really the only change is on the vocals. They add a harmony to the chorus, but while I would usually revel in a harmony, in this particular case I feel like it detracts from the paranoia of the song. They just sound too happy and the juxtaposition is lost. Again, not a horrible cover, but these boys may have been just a little too young to be tackling the emotions in this song at this point in their career. McFly - “Mr. Brightside” (The Killers) - Paul Anka, 2007: "Mr. Brightside", cover version from Classic Songs My Way Musicians of all genres love the Killers and, surprisingly, jazz artists are especially drawn to the band. Now, as much as I love the Killers, I was quite surprised that Paul Anka considered "Mr. Brightside" a "classic" song that deserved to be on an cover album with the likes of Billy Joel, Duran Duran and Joni Mitchell. For the first 30 seconds of brassy introduction, it is impossible to guess that Anka is covering The Killers until he gets to the lyrics. He turns this number into a big showtune that I could see as part of the libretto to "Guys & Dolls". "You can call me Brightside," boasts Anka at the end of the song over wailing brass. Little kickers such as this make the cover all the more entertaining. This version is a bit over the top though, so while I'd check it out, I don't it would replace the original on your iPods. Paul Anka - “Mr. Brightside” (The Killers) - PlayRadioPlay, 2007: "Mr. Brightside", cover version from The Frequency EP The fact that indie pop band PlayRadioPlay is really just one guy, Daniel Hunter, and his cover manages to sound this unique and full is really quite impressive. Also, signed to Island Records at the time, Hunter released his cover as part of his 2007 The Frequency EP. With electronic beeps and an extended introduction, his cover almost seems more like he was covering the "Thin White Duke Remix" of the song instead of the original. He manages to put his own spin on the song better than any of the other multitude of covers that I've heard. Even though Hunter is a young singer, he manages to put the feeling of desperation behind his vocals, which was the flaw in the McFly cover. I really like when he layers the verse over the chorus near the end. The stuff this guy can do with a laptop and a keyboard is really clever and I would recommend checking out his original material. PlayRadioPlay - “Mr. Brightside” (The Killers) PlayRadioPlay: website | myspace - Julia Nunes, 2007: "Mr. Brightside" version for YouTube Finally, I must mention YouTube sensation Julia Nunes' cover of "Mr. Brightside" for Josh’s sake. He’s in love with Nunes (and to think he teases me for loving Flowers). This New Yorker does great adaptations of popular songs on to her ukulele and in 2007 (yes, another 2007-I have no idea why this song became so popular again that year), she whipped out her four-strings and came up with a bold cover of “Mr. Brightside”. Nunes is vocally unimpressive on this song and she plows through the lyrics. Her forte is hands down the ukulele and I recommend this cover simply because it is fun. Julia Nunes - “Mr. Brightside” (The Killers) Julia Nunes: website | youtube Related Posts |
| Brody Dalle’s New Project: Spinnerette Posted: 18 Feb 2009 01:27 PM CST Brody Dalle of The Distillers is working on a new project under the name “Spinnerette”. Check out some of the kickin’ tunes now: Most Commented Posts |
| Posted: 18 Feb 2009 11:51 AM CST We are sad to report that Chicago’s Touch & Go Records will no longer release new records. It will continue to maintain its back catalog, but the label, for all intensive purposes, is finished. Most Commented Posts |
| New Supergroup Tinted Windows Announce Album, SXSW Debut Posted: 18 Feb 2009 11:39 AM CST Tinted Windows has finished recording its debut album and expects to release it this spring. Though Tinted Windows is a new group, its members have been making music for years. Tinted Windows is comprised of former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos, Hanson’s Taylor Hanson and Fountains of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger. The group recorded its album at Stratosphere Sound Studio, a studio Schlesinger and Iha co-own with Ivy’s Andy Chase. Look for Tinted Windows to make their major live debut at Billboard’s SXSW showcase, March 20th at Pangea. Related Posts |
| Living Things, Afentra’s VD Party @ Midland Theatre, Kansas City Posted: 18 Feb 2009 10:15 AM CST This past Friday the 13th, 96.5 the Buzz hosted the free Afentra’s Big Fat Morning Buzz Valentine’s Day (VD) concert at the Midland Theatre. There was, of course, lots of booze, lots of dirty games like spin the bottle and a cock ring toss, and lots of drunk people slobbering all over other drunk people. I left this concert not only with free condoms and pina colada lube given to me by a drag queen, but also with a new appreciation for modern rock n' roll. The first band of the night was Innerpartysystem. Now, I must insert a disclaimer here and say that I am not a huge fan of techno music in the first place. However, I can't for the life of me think of a positive thing to say about this band’s performance. I was more interested and more impressed with the crazy rave lights and smoke than the band itself, which is not good. There was far too much pre-recorded noise and synth. There was very little live performance that I could make out, and the few singing and guitar parts that were live, left much to be desired. “Don't Stop”, the one popular song that I hear on the radio and somewhat enjoy, was barely recognizable when performed live. The audience did seem to enjoy the performance regardless of this, clapping and cheering happily. Maybe it was all the booze they ingested, but as one of the few completely sober people in the theater, I couldn't help but find myself thinking, "What the hell is being applauded here? I have a Macbook too, I can play with and record noises on Garage Band. I can also go to an arcade and stand by any generic space invaders game and hear the same thing." Thoroughly disappointing.
Girl in a Coma was a breath of fresh air. I won't go as far to say that I was blown away, but they were charming and enjoyable to watch. Part of the problems laid within the sound system. The drums dominated the sound. Personally, I needed to hear more bass, guitar and vocals, but Girl in a Coma is hardly responsible for how the P.A. system was being run. Watching Phanie Diaz on drums made me smile. She has this way of swinging her arms as she plays, a quirk I've never seen before. Anyone who doubts the abilities of chick drummers has obviously not seen Phanie play. Bassist Jenn Alva has a way of playing that was very soothing. She seems to just let herself be taken over by the music. She played into the amp like it was the love of her life. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Nina Diaz, was nothing short of brilliantly adorable. Her guitar playing was consistently incredible and the energetic dancing, leg pumping and crowd interaction was just great. What really got me, was her intense facial expressions. Her eyes grew so large and full of expression I could make out her pupils from where I was standing in the audience. The only thing bigger and more animated than her eyes was her mouth, twice as wide as the mike she belted into. Her face is her hallmark.
Last to grace the stage was Living Things. I felt nostalgic for a time period that I, myself, have never actually experienced. I was taken back to 60s and 70s, where music meant something more. Back to where music was a cry and a voice for a generation. When music was a way to say "Fuck you!" to the establishment. Lillian Berlin, lead vocals, lyrics and guitar, is an undeniable genius. With the lips and hip motions of Steven Tyler, the hand movements of Mick Jagger, just a hint of the Ramones, and the attitude of John Lennon, Berlin is not hesitant to make bold political statements. "We are recession proof people!" He yelled as condom balloons hovered above the audience. "I have an idea… This is my economic stimulus plan, for you… Stop paying your FUCKING bills." Eve Berlin played the bass with incredible talent, as he puffed away one cigarette after another. Bosh Berlin, whose name alone tells you he was born to be a drummer, did an astounding job live. Guitarist Cory Becker was impossible not to watch. He made the guitar incredibly sexy. Never in my life have I felt so compelled to rip my clothes off and streak across the stage as I did at this concert. I completely forgot that I was at a free show and felt I was experiencing something on a much higher level. History in the making, the new rock n' roll, for our generation. The Living Things is a band we desperately need right now. They have my complete and utter adoration and support in everything theydo.
Innerpartysystem: website | myspace Related Posts |
| N.A.S.A. - The Spirit of Apollo Posted: 18 Feb 2009 08:45 AM CST Second only to 1985’s LiveAid concert in star appearances, N.A.S.A.’s The Spirit of Apollo is 2009’s Feed The Animals. N.A.S.A. (North America South America) is an ongoing creative collaboration between two lifelong music aficionados, Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon, and their friends, friends of friends and musical heroes, amongst whom include Kanye West, M.I.A., Santogold, David Byrne, Lykke Li, Karen O, Seu Jorge, Method Man, Nick Zinner, Del The Funky Homosapien, Spank Rock, Ghostface Killah, Lovefoxxx, George Clinton and more. N.A.S.A.’s purpose to is to bring people together through art and music, and they achieve this goal with the aurally eclectic The Spirit of Apollo. The aforementioned list of all stars all come from different musical backgrounds but are able to fuse their own flavors and bring their own indie, hip hop, funky flourishes to create a hugely diverse album that is also absolutely cohesive. From the “money is the root of all evil” sociopolitical commentary in “Money” (featuring David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge, & Z-Trip) to the self-promoting “I’m in first and y’all in second” on “Gifted” (feat. Kanye West, Santogold, & Lykke Li), there is not a track that lacks for anything. Seemingly odd pairings work beautifully and the cuts you know will be great before even listening (specifically “Whachadoin?” featuring Spank Rock, M.I.A., Santogold & Nick Zinner) don’t for a second disappoint. Even without all the guest stars, N.A.S.A.’s music stands on its own with infectious beats and catchy melodies that get you moving. The Spirit of Apollo is out now on Anti Records. Fret not, music lovers, for this is not the last 2009 will hear from N.A.S.A. A remix record is already in the works, and Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon will put their turntable skills to good use as N.A.S.A. goes live (dates below) with Brazilian percussionists, visual effects, art installations and special guests this spring. Tracklisting: Tour Dates: N.A.S.A.: myspace  Related Posts |
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