Under the Covers with Jeff Lakin
Another paper, another post....
Still three papers to write before Thursday, but I needed a quick breather, and what better way than to share some sweet tunes with you wonderful people?
So I’m kind of test driving a new feature today (and loving the title.... if it was a radio show, my voice would have to drop an octave or so), in which I highlight some terrific cover songs that put a new spin on the familiar. Ordinarily, I’ll feature the original as well as a cover, but right out the gate I’ve got a unique case: two legendary rockers covering a Burt Bacharach tune.
“I Just Don’t Know What to do with Myself” is a classic weepy ballad of love lost, but The White Stripes and Elvis Costello both run with it to make something a bit more.
On the one hand Costello’s sensitive punk persona is a natural fit, so much so that he’d later come to collaborate on a whole album of Bacharach tunes (once again, emo kids take note- this is how to make sad sound good). Jack and Meg White, however, really work this song, infusing it with a surprising amount of forcefulness and soul while still making it a great song to sing along to in concert.
Overall, both are instant classics, and are highly recommended:
Elvis Costello- I Just Don’t Know What to do with Myself
The White Stripes- I Just Don’t Know What to do with Myself
…on an unrelated note, I’m pretty sure that if Lily Allen plays her cards right, she will be the next big thing. I look forward to her induction into Women of Musical Genius.
Still three papers to write before Thursday, but I needed a quick breather, and what better way than to share some sweet tunes with you wonderful people?
So I’m kind of test driving a new feature today (and loving the title.... if it was a radio show, my voice would have to drop an octave or so), in which I highlight some terrific cover songs that put a new spin on the familiar. Ordinarily, I’ll feature the original as well as a cover, but right out the gate I’ve got a unique case: two legendary rockers covering a Burt Bacharach tune.
“I Just Don’t Know What to do with Myself” is a classic weepy ballad of love lost, but The White Stripes and Elvis Costello both run with it to make something a bit more.
On the one hand Costello’s sensitive punk persona is a natural fit, so much so that he’d later come to collaborate on a whole album of Bacharach tunes (once again, emo kids take note- this is how to make sad sound good). Jack and Meg White, however, really work this song, infusing it with a surprising amount of forcefulness and soul while still making it a great song to sing along to in concert.
Overall, both are instant classics, and are highly recommended:
Elvis Costello- I Just Don’t Know What to do with Myself
The White Stripes- I Just Don’t Know What to do with Myself
…on an unrelated note, I’m pretty sure that if Lily Allen plays her cards right, she will be the next big thing. I look forward to her induction into Women of Musical Genius.
posted by Jeff Lakin at 5:20 PM
1 Comments:
Elvis introduced me to this song, which is wrenching... the Stripes don't quite match him, but get props for good taste. (Jack and EC definitely share the bitter heartbreak thing...)
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