Cover Girls, Vol. 3

Originally released in 1997 on their only album, Slush, the members of Giant Sand and Calexico collaborated with Lisa Germano for a side-project they called OP8. The album served up a great collection of both original songs and cover versions. And while the album is strong throughout, their remake of the classic Lee Hazlewood / Nancy Sinatra tune ‘Sand’ is a definite stand-out. Here, Lisa and co-vocalist Howe Gelb pull a gender switch in the duet, dusting off the scratches for a truly unique interpretation which I’m surprised has not yet seen itself on a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack yet.

Many people have covered Dolly Parton’s big hit ‘Jolene,’ (Paula Cole, the White Stripes and Olivia Newton-John, just to name three), but few have done it quite this way.

Before Dot Allison embarked on a solo recording career, she was the frontwoman for the experiemental group, One Dove. As a b-side to their single, Why Don’t You Take Me, ‘Jolene’ is transformed into a six minute swirl of harps, electric percussion and computer generated sound effects. Mix in Dot’s dreamy voice and you’ve got yourself an original cover.

Although her success has rocketed commericially ever since Eminem sampled one of her songs, it’s difficult to argue that Dido isn’t worth the constant exposure. She’s talented, creates quality music and possesses a great voice. And based solely on the interviews I’ve read, she seems to even be somewhat humble (which is rare among celebrities). She also performed a great cover in the form of James Taylor’s ‘Fire & Rain’ . Recorded live for KCRW last year, Dido’s simplistic take transforms the classic into something soft and sweet.

Last month, Por Vida: A Tribute To The Songs Of Alejandro Escovedo, a benefit album honoring the the musician was released with alt-country artist, Lucinda Williams taking the helm at his song ‘Pyramid Of Tears.’

Lucinda’s gritty delivery turns Alejandro’s original into a new work of art, making it sound as if she wrote the song herself, as it fits well into her own style of rock.

Downloads:

OP8 feat. Lisa Germano - Sand
One Dove - Jolene
Dido - Fire & Rain (live)
Lucinda Williams - Pyramid Of Tears