311 – Love Song
The Cure’s original track bled emotion on “Love Song”, a beautiful anthem that was supposedly written about Robert Smith’s beau. While I’d never be mistaken to be a 311 fan (and who should?), this song seemed destined to be covered by the group who added their reggae and ska guitar influences with heavily reverbed vocals.
Alien Ant Farm – Smooth Criminal
Michael Jackson left us in 2009 but his music was revisited by younger fans after this great Californian crossover unit unearthed one of his best hits and made it their own complete with a quirky video.
Keane – Enjoy the Silence
Anberlin – Enjoy the Silence
Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence” was such a great original tune that tons of bands covered it and we figured we’d span those vast borders by showcasing a pop band’s take and a pop-punk’s band’s version. Both are special for sure.
Nouvelle Vague – Love Will Tear Us Apart
Of course sad gothic pop artists Joy Division should be revisited bossa nova style. And that’s just what French cover outfit Nouvelle Vague does.
Nirvana – Where Did You Sleep Last Night
Kurt Cobain and the grunge juggernauts unleashed one of the best sets from the now defunct MTV series, “Unplugged”. The song was a folk classic by Leadbelly, still a relative unknown especially among the fan boys and fan girls who coveted this legendary group.
Stabbing Westward – Bizarre Love Triangle
New Order along with Depeche Mode and Joy Division are probably some of the most covered ‘80s artists and their “Bizarre Love Triangle” is the litmus test for anyone doing a good ‘80s cover. Stabbing Westward nailed it. No surprise there.
Youth Group – Forever Young
Alphaville’s classic single “Forever Young” had numerous dance remixes and a few European punk rerubs but it was when an Australian rock band was approached by the producers of “The O.C.” to remix it that it finally got its rightful due in the hallowed halls of cover fame.
The Braids – Bohemian Rhapsody
It takes balls to cover Queen. Or maybe it doesn’t. This female hip-hop duo tackles one of rock opera’s best with gusto. The music video doesn’t really fit the lyrics so much but whatever.
Oleander – Boys Don’t Cry
The Cure again? I know what am I thinking?!? Well these alternative rock misfits do the song justice and then some.
Saul Williams – Sunday Bloody Sunday
Take one of hip-hop’s biggest stars who doesn’t get his due coverage, and then have him cover the biggest pop band since the Beatles to come from the U.K.’s big hit “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and you have a gold mine of awesome. Oh and did I mention that Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails helps out on this U2 cover? Make that a platinum mine.
