Cover Girls, Vol. 5

Performed live for KBCO radio in Boulder, Colorado in 1999, Joan Osborne sings a very groovy cover of ‘Spooky,’ a song originally performed by Classics IV back more than thirty years prior. Joan’s stripped-down, acoustic approach and her strong, rootsy voice give the classic a nice make-over and proves that a soft drum beat, a couple of guitars and a terrific singer can set a mood as easy as a full-piece orchestra.


Originally appearing on the soundtrack for Shrek 2, Frou Frou’s Imogen Heap provides her unusual and hypnotic voice to ‘Holding Out For A Hero,’ transforming the 80’s hit into an experimental swirl of programming and breathy sampling. If one didn’t know better, they would assume this to be a Frou Frou original, as it fits well into their musical mold.


I always find it interesting when an artist covers a song that isn’t more than ten years old. ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ was written and recorded by Dot Allison for her 1999 debut, Afterglow. But for whatever reason (perhaps just because she liked the song), Juliana Hatfield covered the beautiful track on her latest album, In Exile Deo. What’s interesting here is that Juliana’s cover of Dot’s song sounds even better than most of Juliana’s original records, as if she’s less erratic and more confident.


Recently made available via Michelle Cross’ official website and taken from a live performance a couple of years ago at the Beat Kitchen, Michelle performs an aggressive piano-laced version of “Come Together.” Definitely worth a listen.


Downloads:

Joan Osborne - Spooky
Frou Frou - Holding Out For A Hero
Juliana Hatfield - Tomorrow Never Comes
Michelle Cross - Come Together (live)