Cover Girls, Vol. 13

Gabi is a twenty-something Brazilian musician whose love of music compelled her one day to sit in her house and record ten amazing cover songs using an acoustic guitar and an array of noise-makers. The result is a striking collection of music that any independent music label would salivate over.

Featured here is Modest Mouse’s ‘3rd Planet,’ a song that was originally recorded on their 2000 album, The Moon & Antarctica and one that Gabi helms beautifully. She begins her album, Loneliness Keeps Company, with her version of the Modest Mouse tune, plucking strings alongside a muffled vocal. Then the sheet is removed and the song instantly seeps into the listener.

And as if that weren’t enough, Gabi offers all ten tracks of Loneliness Keeps Company free for download at her web site.


Canadian bellower Neko Case released Canadian Amp in 2001, a small collection showcasing eight songs, most of which were written by famous Canadians including Neil Young and Lisa Marr.

One this, one will find Case’s sonic interpretation of the traditional ‘Poor Ellen Smith,’ the famous song based on the tragic tale of a murder in 1893. As with most of her recordings, Case’s vocal instrument takes center stage, but seems perfect for a song such as this, whose heavy and complex banjo strumming make it seem like the essential campfire song.


Nashville’s Kate York recorded a beautiful version of the Cure’s ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ for her debut EP in 2004.

It was later released on York’s full-length debut, Sadlylove which is now available through her official site after an unfortunate delay with her record company.

I simply can’t recommend this album enough. York’s soft voice is timeless and her version of ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ will surely win you over.


Katie Melua has been making headlines for the last couple of years, although primarily in England where her two albums are more accessible.

Young and remarkably talented, Melua’s music caters to a more of an adult-contemporary/jazz/pop audience, but fortunately, lacks of the sugary sweetness you’d expect from a woman barely out of her teens.

For her second album, 2005’s Piece By Piece, Melua covers the Cure’s ‘Just Like Heaven’ effortlessly. Subdued, breezy and graceful, Melua’s version is pleasant alternative to the 80’s hit.


Downloads:
Gabi - 3rd Planet
Neko Case - Poor Ellen Smith
Kate York - Boys Don’t Cry
Katie Melua - Just Like Heaven