On this early morning first Sunday in May I chose five random cover songs from my endlessly growing collection to share. Press play and have a listen. Tell me in the comments which one you like best.

Happy First May Sunday everyone! Climb back in bed, get under the covers, and enjoy. Coffee optional.

Five At Random: Under The Covers
May 2, 2021

You can follow and listen to May’s Under The Covers Tracks on Spotify and YouTube

Cover Song 1: “Kiss” by Joan As Police Woman

“You don’t have to be beautiful,
to turn me on
I just need your body baby,
from dusk till dawn.”

“Kiss” is originally by Prince, released in 1996.

Joan As Police Woman’s version of Prince’s “Kiss” is sultry and sexy and sensual. This is music to seduce by, to kiss by, to roll around in the sheets by. Prince’s music often hits those vibes, as well, those his “Kiss” is more dance-pop-catchy then music to bed a lover to.

What do you think of this? I’m kind of obsessed with it.

Want to hear more of Joan? Want to help support her music? Pucker up and head on over here.

Cover Song 2: “Drive” by Soccer Mommy

“Who’s gonna pick you up
When you fall?
Who’s gonna hang it up
When you call?
Who’s gonna pay attention
To your dreams?
Who’s gonna plug their ears
When you scream?”

“Drive” is originally by The Cars, released in 1984.

Soccer Mommy’s version of The Cars’ “Drive” has a very indie pop feel to it. Less desperate and sad, and more confessional, and straight forward, as if to say we are all breaking down, and that’s okay. Or, if not okay, it will be.

Soccer Mommy’s cover feels like it would fit right in with an indie pop album, the likes that Soccer Mommy puts out (or someone like Phoebe Bridgers or Lucy Dacus).

What do you think? I kinda dig it, but it isn’t a cover-favorite.

To hear more of Soccer Mommy (who I do like quite a bit), go here.

Cover Song 3: “Romeo And Juliet” by Widowspeak

“And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be.
All I do is keep the beat, the bad company.
All I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme.
Julie, I’d do the stars with you any time.”

“Romeo And Juliet” is originally by Dire Straits, released in 1980.

This is one of my all-time favorite songs, and I do have a favorite cover version of it already (The Killers, live at Abbey Road). That said, I’m really into this.

I love when a cover version does a male singer-to-female singer swap, or vice versa. Especially if they leave the lyrics intact, and do not cis-gender-specific switch them.

Widowspeak’s version is part of an EP that they recorded at their Brooklyn apartment. All songs, including one other cover, were mixed and mastered by Jamie Harley of The Jesus And Mary Chain and Mogwai fame. (source: The Line Of Best Fit)

The only thing I don’t like about this version is the muted/muffled TV sounds at the end. I keep trying to make out what is being said, to determine if it fits somehow with the song, but I keep coming up empty. I find this addition more distracting, then additive.

What do you think of Widowspeak’s version?

If you’d like to hear more of Widowspeak, more of the new EP, and help support their music, go here.

Cover Song 4: “Redondo Beach” by Arlo Parks

“You’ll never return into my arms ’cause you were gone gone.
Never return into my arms ’cause you were gone gone.
Gone gone, gone gone.”

“Redondo Beach” is originally by Patti Smith, released in 1975.

This is my favorite Patti Smith song (followed very closely by “Dancing Barefoot). Arlo’s version is delicate, intimate, vulnerable, heartbreaking. It brings the song-story more front and center, and I really and truly adore it. It hits emotionally. I tear up every time I hit play.

Arlo Parks is one of my favorite current artists. Everything I discover of hers, I love.

What do you think of Arlo’s version? I love it so much.

To hear more Arlo Parks, and to help support her music, go here.

Cover Song 5: “We’ve Only Just Begun” by Bat For Lashes

“And when the evening comes,
we smile.
So much of life ahead.
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow.
And yes,
we’ve just begun.”

“We’ve Only Just Begun” is originally by The Carpenters, released in 1970.

This cover was completely unexpected. The production, the feel, the stripped down quality, is very different than what I think of when I think of Bat For Lashes. Natasha Khan’s voice is lilting, lovely, and sweet. It is more of a tribute version than any of the other cover songs featured today. That said, there are unique differences in Natasha’s version.

I love getting to hear Natasha’s voice like this.

What do you think? It is a grower for me. The more I play it, the more I like.

To hear more Bat For Lashes, and to support her music, sway on over here.

Okay. Time to weigh in. Time to vote. Which of the five covers do you like the best?

For me, it’s a tie between Joan As Police Woman’s seductive “Kiss” and Arlo Parks make-me-cry “Redondo Beach”.

I’d love to hear everyone’s favorite/favorites. Let me know in the comments.