Ashes To Ashes, Covers To Covers

It’s the weekly covers feature! Or, for one week only, “Ashes to Ashes, Covers to Covers”.

Yes, that’s right - it’s a David Bowie special, as you obviously guessed from the not-very-good title. But it was this, “The Man That Sold The World Did Some Covers”, “Oh! You Pretty Things Covers”, “Loving the Alien Covers”, or “Sound Covers and Vision Covers”. I think I made the right choice.

ANYWAY…

of Montreal - Starman
I saw of Montreal supporting Franz Ferdinand in January, and since then they’ve become one of my favourite bands. They’ve covered other Bowie tracks (and a fuck load of other artists too - see this page dedicated to their covers), but this version of Starman, taken from an acoustic session, is my favourite. It manages to remain relatively faithful to the original, yet at the same time it’s quintessential of Montreal. Have a look at the covers page linked above as well, as amongst the 80-odd covers are some real gems.

Beck - Diamond Dogs
This track was recorded for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, but like a phoenix emerging from a pile of shit, Beck’s cover of Diamond Dogs stands up on its own. Assisted by Timbaland on production, the Bowie classic is transformed into a completely different beast. With squelching keyboards, an insistent drum beat and a scuzzy guitar line, it “builds and never lets go” (Beck’s words). A great cover then, which both Beck and Timbaland put their stamp on effectively.

Back next week. Enjoy!
Jed. x