Some of Australia’s freshest talents have taken a break from their own songwriting, and opted to cover the catchy (and sometimes eyebrow raising) tracks from one of the small screen’s funniest and most popular Aussie comedies.
A re-release of the original soundtrack to Chris Lilley’s television series Summer Heights High features a number of cover versions and reworks of the TV show’s musical numbers, with the likes of DZ Deathrays, Thundamentals, and Muscles lending a creative hand on the new additions.
The new special edition of the soundtrack, ready just in time for Christmas from ABC, features the original selection, a remix disc featuring the new musical tributes and remixes, a disc of the score of the theme music, and the complete series on DVD.
Comedic master Chris Lilley featured in the starring role as all of the main characters, varying from an overly self indulged teen Ja’mie King to troublesome joker Jonah Takalua, and the ever-camp, faux pas dropping Mr. G.The Brisbane thrash punk pair have concocted their own brilliant cover version of the raunchy track, including all of ‘Naughty Girl’s promiscuous lyrical trimmings
The latter character’s ‘Naughty Girl’ has been covered by the ARIA Award-winning duo DZ Deathrays. The Brisbane thrash punk pair have concocted their own brilliant cover version of the raunchy track, including all of ‘Naughty Girl’s promiscuous lyrical trimmings – revolving around – well – “ecstasy” and, of course, a headbanging, guitar-smothered theme.
The newly released soundtrack also features a stylish hip hop rendition of the opening theme to the series, performed by cover version kings Thundamentals. Appropriately titled ‘Thunda Heights High’, the track is laden with references from the series, notably: “check out Jonah’s mum/she’s so hot” as well as featuring various samples from the mouth of fan favorite character, Jonah Takalua.
Putting an upbeat twist on the special edition release, remix master Muscles lends a hand, remixing the series’ unlikeable female schooler, Ja’mie King, with track ‘Public School Bitchez’. Lyrical highlights include memorably controversial quotes like: “My breasts would’ve been bigger/ but I had an eating disorder in year 8;” and “as if I’d wanna be friends with you bitches anyway.”
The special edition version of Summer Heights High, is the perfect stocking filler for that fan cross-section of music and comedy, and is conveniently available from the ABC shop, though if you’re looking for other musical-related Christmas gifts – be sure to check out Tone Deaf’s holiday gift guide.
You can listen to the Summer Heights High inspired re-workings from DZ Deathrays, Thundamentals, and Muscles below:
