Tame Impala have gone back to the ’90s, putting Kevin Parker’s signature psychedelic spin on Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose” for triple j’s Like a Version.
Parker and co performed the 1994 hit on Friday morning, alongside a slightly reworked version of their own global hit “Dracula”, just in time for Halloween. Both tracks were given stripped-back, synth-driven arrangements.
The choice of cover was a personal one for Parker, who revealed that “Kiss From a Rose” featured on the first CD he ever bought: the Batman Forever soundtrack.
Released in 1995, the soundtrack introduced a young Parker to a range of artists, including U2, the Flaming Lips and Nick Cave. Seal’s contribution became one of the film’s biggest musical legacies, with the track going on to win three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Meanwhile, “Dracula” recently became Tame Impala’s biggest single to date in Australia and internationally. The track, taken from their fifth studio album, Deadbeat, also landed at No. 3 in triple j’s Hottest 100.
The performance arrives at the end of a huge month for Tame Impala, who have just wrapped up their biggest Australian tour to date, playing sold-out arenas around the country in support of Deadbeat. The October run included multiple nights in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, with Ninajirachi joining Parker as special guest.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ was at the tour’s opening show in Brisbane, and gave the night a 5-star review for its dazzling visuals, impressive production and hit-filled setlist.
“There were so many things to love about this show. From the pristine clarity of Parker’s falsetto to moments of introspective band jamming to explosive visuals to joyful albeit sometimes awkward dancing, Tame Impala still manage to stimulate all of the senses through their five albums of music,” the review reads.
“The band bring Parker’s expertly crafted music to life in a way that we may have forgotten over the last four years, and it’s not just presented to us, it is shaped to flow around us, and that’s the glorious beauty of Tame Impala in a triumphant confetti-filled homecoming.”
From Rolling Stone AU/NZ
