COVER VERSIONS have always fascinated me – like the transvestite or cross-dresser. The dynamic tension arises out of their magical ability to pull it off. Slamming or honoring, playing with or in the shadow of the original. The best are unique, surprising takes on a familiar song. They add a new ear, a new facet to a song already part of a culture’s musical canon. A successful version usually involves irreverence that does not quite fold into parody - between Sinatra interpretation, Weird Al satire & Coltrane dismantling.
My faves are those that cross genres or cultures & expectation, vex or illuminate, allowing reappreciations of the original & comprehension of their meaning for the 1st time. Inevitable choices: Dominatrix, Albert Kuvezin & Yat-Kha, Glomag, Nouvelle Vague. But glad to discover totally ear-blowing covers like Jah Division, Durutti Column, RR Kirk, Richard Cheese. Covers inhabit an essential yet undervalued place in music history. With presenters Kate & Serena.
