As undeniably chaotic as 2020 has been, one thing we have still been able to rely on is the quality of triple j‘s Like A Version covers.
Whether it be a cover by a homegrown talent or an international act, it’s fair to say the bar is as high as it ever has been when it comes to the legendary series.
Without further ado, here are the best Like A Version 2020 live performances (so far).
Milky Chance – ‘Dance Monkey’ [Tones and I]
Kicking the year off with a bang, Germany’s finest Milky Chance brought us their spin on Tones and I’s signature hit.
Fans said:
“The cover nobody wanted, but we didn’t know we needed.”
“The sound created is something of an alternate post-apocalyptic reality, incredible cover.”
“My body was NOT ready for the chill funk!!!”
BENEE – ‘Mile High’ [James Blake]
There’s no doubt ‘Mile High’ is one of James Blake’s most unique tracks, and that the auto-tune heavy trap number can’t necessarily have been the easiest song to cover. Luckily, New Zealand’s burgeoning pop icon BENEE certainly rose to the challenge.
Fans said:
Love Classic Rock?
Get the latest Classic Rock news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
“PUT THIS ON SPOTIFY PLEASE.”
“She should cover everything.”
“Man I have been playing this on repeat ALLL DAYYYY.”
G Flip – ‘Lady Marmalade’ [Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa & Pink]
Local legend G Flip made this year’s International Women’s Day one to remember when she performed this fun-filled cover of the Moulin Rouge! classic. The singer-songwriter was joined by an absolute all-star lineup of Aussie women in music including Jess B, Thandi Phoenix, The Preatures’ Isabella Manfredi, Jess Kent, Alex The Astronaut, I Know Leopard’s Rosie Fitzgerald, Clio Renner, Kate Richards, Bernice Tesara and Carla Dobbie.
Fans said:
“Dayuuum!! G Flip is just amazing. And that lady rapper’s voice!? Smooth as chocolate.”
“This is going straight to the pool room.”
“That is the coolest version I’ve ever heard.”
The Naked and Famous – ‘Blinding Lights’ [The Weeknd]
Kiwis The Naked and Famous were able to sneak into the triple j studio to perform this cover just before international travel bans were put in place. All we can say is thank goodness for that, because this laid-back take on The Weeknd is what lazy quarantine dreams were made of.
Fans said:
“Damn their sound has changed and it’s FIRE!!!!!”
“EXCUSE ME?! where has this been my whole life?!”
“Next level. Most under appreciated band EVER.”
Stella Donnelly – ‘Love Is In The Air’ [John Paul Young]
Leave it to the always sunny Stella Donnelly to transform one of the daggiest songs of the ’80s into the smooth, dreamy bop we didn’t know we needed.
Fans said:
“This is such a brilliant rendition, Stella is everything I love about modern music.”
“Try and watch this without a big smile on your face, I dare you.”
“This has made me so wildly happy, thank you for the pick me up.”
Bugs – ‘Charlie’ [Mallrat]
Fresh after ‘Charlie’ reached number three on the Hottest 100 of 2019, Bugs debuted their reimagined rendition of Mallrat’s hit that featured a sneaky snippet of Rusted Root’s ‘Send Me on My Way’.
Fans said:
“Right up there with the best Like A Versions of all time.”
“This is so good, I can’t even count how many times I’ve listened to this since it came out honestly.”
“This is superb, couldn’t help but smile all the way through.”
Jimblah – ‘What’s Going On’ [Marvin Gaye]
In what was easily one of the most poignant Like A Version performances of the year, Jimblah injected even more emotion into the Marvin Gaye classic with the help of a choir led by Ellie May.
Fans said:
“Months later and I’m still playing this song at least once a day.”
“This is absolutely magic. In every way. Incredible. Huge.”
“This is EVERYTHING!”
Taka Perry – ‘Jesus Walks’ [Kanye West]
Aussie producer Taka Perry enlisted the likes of A.GIRL, Gia Vorne, and Emalia to help him perform a powerful take on Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” which serves as an anthem for the current social climate.
Fans said:
“Best Like A Version in a looooooong time.”
“This is how you do Like A Version. Nailed it.”
“Over four minutes of solid goosebumps. Amazing rendition!”
Stella Donnelly – ‘Love Is In The Air’ [John Paul Young]
Leave it to the always sunny Stella Donnelly to transform one of the daggiest songs of the ’80s into the smooth, dreamy bop we didn’t know we needed.
Fans said:
Bugs – ‘Charlie’ [Mallrat]
Fresh after ‘Charlie’ reached number three on the Hottest 100 of 2019, Bugs debuted their reimagined rendition of Mallrat’s hit that featured a sneaky snippet of Rusted Root’s ‘Send Me on My Way’.
Fans said:
Jimblah – ‘What’s Going On’ [Marvin Gaye]
In what was easily one of the most poignant Like A Version performances of the year, Jimblah injected even more emotion into the Marvin Gaye classic with the help of a choir led by Ellie May.
Fans said:
Taka Perry – ‘Jesus Walks’ [Kanye West]
Aussie producer Taka Perry enlisted the likes of A.GIRL, Gia Vorne, and Emalia to help him perform a powerful take on Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” which serves as an anthem for the current social climate.
Fans said: