Call it crazy, but we’re convinced one of the biggest joys in life and music is a good remix or cover. Why? Because it means a musician loves a song so much that they’re willing to publicly re-interpret it. To celebrate how special that is we’re taking a look at some of the best new remixes and covers to come out of Australia and beyond. Check out this week’s picks.
The Weeknd Remixes ‘Royals’ By Lorde
The love for Lorde never ceases to amaze! The 16-year-old’s debut album Pure Heroine is due for release next month and now the songstress has gotten some love from a fellow youngster, Canadian producer The Weeknd who has been kind enough to remix the her most well-known track. The remix features a new instrumental layer and seems to allow the petite teenager’s soulful-beyond-her-years voice to shine.
Haim Cover ‘Strong Enough’ By Sheryl Crow
While the trio were in Australia fro their much-loved appearance at Splendour In The Grass as well as their sold-out sideshows, they stopped by Triple J for an ace edition of Like A Version. The sisters took on Sheryl Crow’s 90s hit “Strong Enough” and added their own Fleetwood Mac-like instrumentals to the mix. Haim’s debut album Days Are Gone is due for release late next month. No word yet on whether or not they’re including any country-pop inspired jams.
London Grammar Cover ‘Wicked Games’ By Chris Isaak
Our favourite British buzz band, London Grammar have done a reverb-heavy cover of the moody 90s ballad and we’ve got to say as iconic as the original is, Hannah Reid’s vocals on the track really take it to a new level. Partnered with threesome’s minimal musical aesthetic, which they discussed in a recent interview with us, the live rendition is just perfection. Their debut album If You Wait is due for release on September 9th.
R.Kelly Remixes ‘Trying To Be Cool’ By Phoenix
Who knew R. Kelly was a fan of progressive French indie-rock? The rapper/singer remixes the second single off the Parisian band’s fifth studio album and adds his own vocals and a more 70s, disco-inspired vibe to the track. While it’s absolutely a great rendition, there’s still no doubt in our minds or hearts that nothing in the word could ever trump Kelly’s most famous remix, which is forever “hot and fresh out the kitchen”. Check out our review of Phoenix’s Bankrupt! here.
Lou Barlow Covers ‘Two’ By Ryan Adams
Lou Barlow’s been a busy dude. Having toured Australia earlier this year (as well as for a very special appearance at Golden Plains, read our review here) with his fame-maker Dinosaur Jr, he also announced that Sebadoh would be releasing a new EP (which our reviewer called“warmly nostalgic yet firmly rooted in the present”) as well as a full length album (details in our New Record Report ) later this year. Now, the singer, songwriter, bassist extraordinare has posted a video cover of a Ryan Adams song ‘Two’ and tweeted that this is the first of many covers to come. Check out more details of his cover series at Stereogum.
Woman’s Hour Remixes ‘Pendulum’ By Pure Bathing Culture
Portland sweethearts Pure Bathing Culture have just dropped their debut album and thanks to some help from Woman’s Hour, are getting a little more promo thanks to this awesome remix. With haunting vocals and an eerie take on the duo’s original, this isn’t one for all music lovers but those who love it won’t be able to stop listening.
