Microsoft proves that computers are nowhere near taking over songwriting

Thanks to my buddy Randy for finding this and letting me know about it.

Apparently Microsoft has a new product that will analyze music that is sung into it, and provide you with what it thinks is appropriate accompaniment. It looks at your pitch, tempo, and melody to determine things like instrumentation, and backing melody.

Watch how it handles the vocals that have been stripped out of some of your favorites.

Here's a sample:

Hogging All The Covers

Last week, I had the pleasure of talking to Kurt Benjamin, who has organized a very special project:

Band From TV, a celebrity-based rock group, whose mission it is to raise money for several worthwhile charities. Band members include Greg Grunberg and Adrian Pasdar from NBC's Heroes, James Denton from ABC's Desperate Housewives, Hugh Laurie from FOX's House, Bonnie Somerville from Cashmere Mafia and Bob Guiney, who was on The Bachelor. Rounding out the band are several performers who've worked with some of the biggest names in rock, soul and pop.

I've picked up a copy of the CD myself, which also comes with a very well-produced concert DVD, and even though I usually like cover albums to feature some non-standard cover choices, for Band From TV, the choices they made are perfect for the audience they're reaching. They're more of a "good time rock 'n' roll" band than a band that's out to prove their prowess with covers of obscure Tom Waits' tracks. The CD is excellent, and the concert DVD does a great job of showcasing the artists individually during their solos to the point that you feel like you're there.

I'm working on scheduling an interview with Greg Grunberg for January, as he got all of his musically-inclined fellow actors together for this project. You know him as Matt Parkman, the mind-reader on Heroes, or as I first remember seeing him, as FBI agent Weiss on Alias. He was also the pilot of the ill-fated Oceanic flight on Lost.

I highly recommend you pick up a copy - even if you're not a fan of of any of the TV shows represented (and who's not a fan of at least one of the shows mentioned?). The cause is great, and actors or not, these folks are terrific musicians. Hugh Laurie's "Will It Go 'Round In Circles" is almost worth the price of admission by itself.

Sixth Photo Meme

Len at Jawbone included me in his "six" for a photo meme. Basically, you pick the sixth photo on the sixth page of your Flickr feed, and post it in your blog.

Here's the thing. I don't have six pages of photos in Flickr. I have one page. So, I give you the sixth photo on that first page of photos!

Tristan at the home opener Texans vs. Broncos game in Houston Texas, 2005.

And I hereby challenge the continuation of this meme upon: Dan Klass, Tim Coyne (this guy KNOWS photos), Tim & Michelle at Five Hundy, Chad Bergeron, and Charlie George.

Wish they would have had that class when I was in high school!

Who says my shows aren't educational? I received an email from Sam Greene, teacher at Camas High School in Camas, Washington today, who teaches a History Of Rock & Roll class at the school.

Three times a week, they start their class with my Today In Music History podcast, with the class trying to guess the year of the number one single at the end of each show. Thanks, Mr. Greene, not just for using my podcast, but more importantly for all the work you do as a teacher.

More a cappella goodness!

Thanks to Miguel for telling me about this:

Its the music of John Williams (from his most well-known soundtracks) performed a cappella using lines - and concepts - from the Star Wars movies. Brilliant as this would be in just audio form, the video above seals it up with a similar trick to the "Thriller" video from last week: video cameras on each of the singing parts of the song - which also happen to be one guy.

Absolutely terrific. And the Jurassic Park theme is especially well done. Hope this gets you in the mood for another all-a cappella extravaganza on Coverville this week.

MTV launches fantastic music video site

For all that I feel that MTV has done wrong in the past several years, they've absolutely made up for it today. They've launched a new website containing their entire library of music videos. Popular stuff, rare stuff, it looks like it's all here.

Just in time for you to get your "Thriller" on before Halloween.

And, like YouTube, you can embed music videos in your blog or website very easily. Which gives me an opportunity to share with you my favorite music video of all time. Cibo Matto's "Sugar Water". This is a perfect example of brilliance in music video direction, and if you're seeing this for the first time, it might all make sense by the middle of the video (about 2 minutes in).

This was done by the fantastic Michel Gondry, whose videos are always surreal and beautifully conceived. Got a moment for one more? Like the last one, Kylie Minogue's "Come Into My World" is one of those videos that you see new things in every time you watch it.

Like "Sugar Water", you'll get a terrific "a-ha" moment at about 1 minute into the song. My favorite point? Besides all the near-misses, it's the point at about 3:11 when Kylie 3.0 laughs to let you know she's in on "the joke".

Got a favorite? LInk to it in the comments!

One-man Thriller A Cappella with a unique twist

You've heard a cappella songs that are done by one person using multiple voices (Dokaka, Petra Haden, and most recently, George Hrab), but this one adds a very cool visual twist:

François Macré - Thriller (reprise A'cappella 64 pistes)

The singer, François Macré, managed to record each of his tracks in video as he sang them, and arranged all 64 parts visually, so you can see each of the different tracks used for the song. It's mesmerizing - and even though you know what to expect by about halfway through the song, you can't turn away in anticipation of the Vincent Price bit.

Big thanks to Jeff U. for telling me about this!

Coverville talks to Australia's Maynard

Last month, I had the pleasure of talking to Maynard, an Australian TV and radio host whose illustrious career includes Triple-J (providers of those fine "Like A Version" cover albums) and ABC, among others.

We talk about the history of covers, and the multitude of shows I (try to) host and produce.

Listen Here

Like Nouvelle Vague? You'll love this!

Marc Collin, the producer of Nouvelle Vague (Bossa Nova-styled covers of punk singles), has a new project called Hollywood, Mon Amour. The new album features 13 covers of songs made popular in movie soundtracks, like "Call Me" (Blondie), "Don't You Forget About Me" (Simple Minds) and "This Is Not America" (David Bowie).

The album features guest vocals like Yael Naim, Juliette Lewis and Katrine Ottosen.

What's even better? You can get the album for free by signing up for a free eMusic trial (and you'll still have 12 songs left, which you can use for the earlier Nouvelle Vague albums):

Here's the eMusic sign-up:

Here's the Hollywood, Mon Amour album on eMusic:
Hollywood, Mon Amour

"Take On Me literal cover" or (Pipe Wrench Fight)

This is so brilliant, I'm not going to say anything about it, expect:

1. Thanks to Arcadia for sharing, and
2. As awesome as the first two minutes are, the instrumental break is FANTASTIC

Lucinda Williams covers AC/DC on her new album

Little Honey

Lucinda Williams' new album, "Little Honey", apparently is a more positive-styled turn for the singer/songwriter. The album, due October 14, also includes a cover song: AC/DC's "It's A Long Way To The Top".

Read about it here.

Seal uncovers his "Soul" next month

Called "Soul", it will feature - you guessed it - covers of popular soul and R&B hits. See the article, with a tracklisting here.

The tracks are all recognizable favorites, but still, it'll be interesting to hear them sung in Seal's smooth style. His website even includes a video for "A Change Is Gonna Come", his cover of the Sam Cooke classic.

Neil Young Tribute still going strong

From an American Laundromat Press Release. I'm always happy to hear this kind of stuff; it's a great cause, and a fantastic tribute album!
______________________________________

“Cinnamon Girl – Women Artists Cover Neil Young For Charity” Raises Over $22K for Breast Cancer Charity

Mystic, CT - October 1, 2008; the American Laundromat Records produced benefit CD “Cinnamon Girl – Women Artists Cover Neil Young For Charity” is the labels best-selling record in history and has raised over $22K for "Casting For Recovery", a national non-profit support and educational program for women who have or have had breast cancer. The Double-CD focuses on Neil Young's early work (1969 - 1979) and features 21 new cover versions of Neil's most popular songs by artists Tanya Donelly, Britta Phillips, Lori McKenna, Jill Sobule with John Doe, Josie Cotton, Kristin Hersh, The Watson Twins, Darcie Miner, Elk City and many more.

"This was a personal project for the label and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. To raise over $22K for the charity in 9 months is pretty spectacular for us. To put things in perspective, American Laundromat Records is basically a one-man operation run out of my tiny basement in Connecticut as a hobby (I have a day job). The project has raised a lot of awareness for the charity and many women have benefited greatly as a result."

"Cinnamon Girl" was produced by Joe Spadaro (American Laundromat Records founder & president) in loving memory of his mother Norine R. Spadaro who passed on in July of 2005 after a 6-year battle with breast cancer. All the artists generously donated their time and talent to the project and proceeds are donated to Casting For Recovery, a national non-profit charity that provides an opportunity for women whose lives have been profoundly affected by the disease to gather in a beautiful, natural setting and learn fly-fishing, "a sport for life." The weekend retreats incorporate counseling, educational services and the sport of fly-fishing to promote mental and physical healing. Founded in 1996, Casting for Recovery has been offering free retreats across the country. They rely on local volunteers and organizations to support their community based retreats.

iTunes downloads make up the majority of overall "Cinnamon Girl" sales. The top ten downloads follow:

01. Heart of Gold - performed by Tanya Donelly
02. The Needle and the Damage Done - performed by Lori McKenna
03. Only Love Can Break Your Heart - performed by Amilia K. Spicer
04. Cinnamon Girl - performed by Euro-Trash Girl
05. Ohio (slow version) - performed by Dala
06. Down By The River - performed by Jill Sobule (with John Doe)
07. Helpless - performed by Elk City
08. Ohio (rockin' version) - performed by Darcie Miner
09. Cowgirl in the Sand - performed by Josie Cotton
10. Comes A Time - performed by Kate York

"Cinnamon Girl" is available worldwide and through all online outlets including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc. Sales continue to be strong and the label expects to donate another $3K by years-end.

American Laundromat Records is an indie-rock label based out of Southeastern, CT. Founded in April of 2004 by Joe Spadaro the label is best known for their popular 2005 compilation "High School Reunion - a tribute to those great 80's films" which featured indie-rockers Frank Black, Kristin Hersh, Matthew Sweet, The Dresden Dolls and others covering beloved tunes from some of the 80's most popular teen films. All Music Guide called the tribute “One of the finest tributes ever amassed!” Upcoming American Laundromat projects include the January 2009 slotted release "Just Like Heaven - a tribute to The Cure" featuring The Wedding Present, Dean & Britta, The Submarines, The Rosebuds, The Brunettes, Tanya Donelly, The Poems and others covering the Cure's most popular songs.
________________________________

Find out more at http://www.alr-music.com/

Need the singer of a cover band to fill in while your lead singer's out sick? Yes!

Following in the footsteps of bands like Judas Priest, Journey and Boston, Yes is turning to the lead singer of Close To The Edge - a Yes tribute band - to fill in on their 40th Anniversary Tour while Jon Anderson recovers from acute respiratory failure, as reported by Rolling Stone this morning.

I can't believe they'd go with a sub for the 40th Anniversary Tour, though. Why not push it back a year so that Jon can be a part of it?

Ah well, it's all been done before, right? Wake me when this happens with a solo performer.

Bad Cover Version

Agent_M on Twitter just turned me on to his girlfriend's blog, Bad Cover Version, and it's really good. Not just focused on music, there's recipes and a light sprinkling of politics, but the heart of the blog is music discussion. Great stuff!

You know I'd check it out based on the name alone!

Indie Band Survival Guide

Just got a copy of a great resource for those who are in an independent band, and are looking for ways to get yourself into the ears of listeners who want to hear your music. (And it doesn't hurt that Coverville is mentioned in the book as one of those methods!)

What's the baby using?

Seen any good YouTube videos from Las Vegas lately?

Here's one:

Guest appearances (among podcast luminaries) by Tina, my Grandmother, and my buddy (The Real) Chris Browne.

Great audio review of Coverville 500

Thanks to the folks at Geek News Central, there's a great review of Coverville 500 in the first few minutes of this episode.

http://www.geeknewscentral.com/archives/008188.html

The Poker Chips have arrived!

Among all the excellent merchandise that I'll be selling/giving away at the Coverville 500 concert, is a set of six poker chips, each showing a different performer at the concert. The back of each chip shows the Coverville Las Vegas logo, and commemorates the event with the date and venue.

(click the image to see it full-sized)

Because of the cost of producing these chips, I'm limited to 75 sets available to sell, with 15 of them already pre-ordered. Each set comes in a protective plastic tube (which will hold 25 chips total, so you can collect other chips from the casinos you visit), and sells for $10.00 without a ticket purchase, but discounted if you buy it with a ticket and/or t-shirt.

Like most of the Coverville 500 visuals, these chips were designed by Shelby Miller of Shifted Sound. Such an amazing talent!

Coverville on the Marc Germain show (7/29)

I was on the Marc Germain internet radio show last night. Great interview with a top-notch professional whose been in the business for years.

It's more of a radio-style interview, and there are other guests on the show, but it's worth a listen. If for no other reason than to hear me scramble to answer questions that I wasn't prepared for!

Listen here

Coverville interview on Lifehacker

I had the honor of getting to speak to Kevin Purdy of Lifehacker this last week, about how I do Coverville. Lifehacker is a terrific blog that focuses on using technology, logic and organization to make everyday life easier and get things done. I've been a big fan of the blog for over a year, finding out about them through sister site Gizmodo.

It was a fun interview to do, with more of a slant on keeping up with email, organizing a huge music collection, and getting through a typical day. I thank Kevin for the opportunity to talk about that, and for the really amazing comments being left under the article by readers (and listeners!).

Read it here: http://lifehacker.com/399156/how-covervilles-brian-ibbott-gets-things-done

The Richard Cheese Superfan Funclub

I just joined the Richard Cheese Superfan Funclub - and if you're a fan of the man and his music, so should you.

If you join now, you get the next three albums, Viva La Vodka, Lavapalooza, and O.K. Bartender way sooner than the general public (and I'm not referring to the 80's ska-pop band).

Plus, find out how you can get your name SUNG by Richard Cheese, and/or added to the liner notes of his next album. Click here to find out more.

Pain in the neck

I promised you an update once I heard back about my MRI, and I also promised not to take up valuable "show" time by talking about it during the podcast. Plus, keeping it relegated to the blog allows people to discuss it separately from music in the shows.

I had my follow-up appointment with the doctor after my MRI, and the news is somewhat positive. I do indeed have a herniated disc (between vertebrae C4 and C5), and it is pinching the nerve that travels down my left arm. This is resulting in an inability to raise my left elbow above shoulder level. I can screw in a lightbulb with my right hand without a problem, but my left arm just stops when I try to lift it about halfway.

And although this isn't my MRI, this gives you an idea of what mine looked like:

(Mine looks the same, except there's one of those cartoon fish skeletons about halfway down my neck.)

The good news is that, while I was in tremendous pain a month ago when I first had this diagnosed, the pain has all but gone away. The doctor feels that this is a good sign, and wants to monitor any changes over the next month or two, but not to pursue any aggressive treatment unless my situation changes, or if nothing changes for three months. I'll still be going to physical therapy twice a week to prevent any additional pressure or strain on my disc.

So for right now, the news is hopeful, and I'll keep you up-to-date as I find out anything new myself.

Doveman covers Footloose

The artist Doveman has done a song-by-song cover of the soundtrack to the movie Footloose. Very mellow, Postal-Service-esque renditions of everything from Kenny Loggins' title track to Deneice Williams' "Let's Hear It For The Boy".

Doveman: Footloose

And it's a free download. Share and enjoy! And make sure you check out the touching paragraph about his inspiration for the album. It makes the music even lovelier.

Thanks to listener Marck for telling me about this.

Poker Chip artwork finished!

The artwork for the Coverville 500 Poker Chips has been completed, thanks to the amazing Shelby Miller.

This gorgeous set of six 11.5 gram clay poker chips were designed specifically for the concert, and are going to be produced in extremely limited quantities. This is simply because I have to order them a lot earlier than the t-shirts & posters in order to have them ready for the show.

Each chip features one of the performers at the Coverville 500 Concert, and the reverse side has the 3D Coverville Vegas sign. Order your set today at Coverville500.com!

Wow, has it already been a week since the last Best and Worst Cover Lists?

Thanks to all the listeners who sent me links to this. My Google Alert also linked me to no less than 20 different postings about this article. That's some pretty unusual press COVERage. Pun intended.

Celine Dion's cover of "You Shook Me All NIght Long" has been voted worst cover song by Total Guitar Magazine. The current issue lists the best and worst in the field of cover songs, as judged by music experts. Jimi Hendrix' "All Along The Watchtower" was named best cover song. I can't argue with that.

But The Mike Flowers Pops' "Wonderwall" as the fifth worst? Have these guys not heard Kevin Rowland's album "My Beauty"?

The Best

The Worst

Coverville Wordle

Using the new Java webtool, Wordle (which is really cool), I decided to enter in a list of all the performers whose music I've played covers OF since the beginning of the year.

The larger the font, the more covers I've played of their music (which is why Johnny Cash's name is so big):

Way cool.

(Note: Updated the Wordle to replace spaces with tildes and keep performers' names together, and added "Coverville" a few times to bring it in)

Violent Femmes' musical response to Gnarles Barkley's "Gone Daddy Gone" cover

This is excellent. The Violent Femmes have just covered Gnarles Barkley's "Crazy", and it sounds just like you'd expect (which is a heaping cup of awesome).

(Album cover takes you to site where you can order the limited edition blue vinyl single, or the mp3)

I'll play it on the show on Sunday, but if you can't wait that long (and you know you want it, don't you!), you can get it from iTunes right now:

Violent Femmes - "Crazy"

Thanks to Taylor at Vitamin Records for tipping me off to this!

Jonathan Coulton joins John Hodgman on the Daily Show

Aimee Mann looking for covers

Radiohead covers Portishead - can a cover of Murray Head be far behind?

As seen on AngryApe:

Johnny Greenwood and Thom Yorke do an intimate dressing-room cover of Portishead's new song, "The Rip".

And according to a follow-up article (also on AngryApe.com), Portishead are thrilled.

C'mon, Thom and Johnny..."One Night In Bangkok"? For me?

Common Shatners

Thanks to the ever-awesome Scott Johnson over at Extra Life, here's great usage of some footage from the old Star Trek cartoon.

And due to getting hit pretty hard by a cold, this will have to take the place of a show tonight. However, don't fret. I could never take the place of your man, and forget to honor Prince with a Cover Story on his 50th birthday.

2 Morrow.

Posted my first YouTube video

I know, I know, it's old and pixelly. I actually did this back in 2000. Before there ever was a Coverville. Even before there was a Season 2 of Survivor.

I should really update this thing and see if I can do a new, improved version of it. But until then, enjoy this raw, early amalgamation of mine. (Done on an old Performa 630, with AV inputs, and a VCR.)

Links to (some of) the other Cover Bloggers

Very embarrassing!

Listener dwasson asked me for the link to the other members of the cover bloggers in the Roundtable episode #450, and I feel horrible that I didn't include them on the post (as I truly intended).

Here's they all are, and all are highly recommended!

Copy,Right:
http://copycommaright.blogspot.com/

Fong Songs:
http://fongsongs.blogspot.com/

Cover Freak:
http://coverfreak.com/

Cover Lay Down:
http://coverlaydown.blogspot.com/

Covering The Mouse:
http://www.coveringthemouse.com/

Drunk Covers VI over at The Waiting Room

The fine folks at Error FM's The Waiting Room have put together another installment of Drunk Covers, this one their sixth!

It'll air live tonight, and be available afterwards as a podcast.

Click Here

Concert Suggestion: Nick Lowe on tour

After recording the Dave Edmunds show last night, my buddy Chris Browne called and invited me to the Nick Lowe concert at the Boulder Theater. I mentioned Nick several times during the Dave Edmunds Cover Story, as the two were frequent collaborators, so the coincidence of seeing Nick Lowe on the same day (and Mr. Edmunds' birthday) was too good to pass up.

The show was fantastic. It was Nick and his guitar in a solo acoustic performance. And in addition to playing several tracks from his latest album, At My Age, he covered his whole catalog of tracks, including some Rockpile stuff, and Brinsley Schwartz' original version of "What's So Funny ('Bout Peace, Love and Understanding)".

Nick is continuing his tour out East, touring with Ron Sexsmith, and I highly recommend you check him out if he's coming to a town near you.

Links:
Nick Lowe Tour Dates
The Nick Lowe Cover Story (to get you in the mood!)
Coverville 302, featuring Ron Sexsmith's "I Don't Like Mondays" cover

(Off-topic) Joss Whedon's "Nothing But Red"

Listener Eliza Frank is contributing a short story to an upcoming anthology developed by Buffy, Angel and Firefly/Serenity creator Joss Whedon, entitled "Nothing But Red". As a fan of Joss' work in the past, it's something I'll definitely be checking out.

To find out more about the project, and Eliza's contribution, visit her blog.

Cover Up! April 11 in London

This is really cool, and makes me wish I lived in London to attend.

On April 11, Sam Sutton and Charlie Inman will be hosting "Cover Up", a night of cover songs at Ginglik Club W12. I've talked to these guys, and this is going to be a great event. Lots of funk, rock, and live bands.

Here's the flyer (download PDF)

Now, even if you're not in the area, you can still participate. They've asked me to recommend some great funky, danceable cover songs that I've played on the show, and I'm extending that to the listeners. Is there a track I've played on the show that's made you wanna get up and dance? Suggest it in the comments, and I'll forward the list over to the club!

Stereogum presents a track-by-track tribute to Björk's "Post"

A free download from Stereogum's site. I haven't listened yet, but if it's as good as last year's R.E.M. "Drive" tribute, it'll be excellent.

Find out more, and download the full album here.

Covervision: We Are The World (with Japanese Impersonators)

Who'd have thought a Michael Jackson impersonator would end up creepier than the real Michael Jackson...

I lost the email of the person that sent this to me - but thank you, whoever you are.

Edit: Ah, it was Nick in Australia! Nick, you rock, mate!

Queen (+ Paul Rodgers) to release first cover song

Queen is getting ready to release their first album in 13 years this September, and it's going to include their first-ever cover song. The song hasn't been announced, but it's a great topic for discussion. What song would you like to hear Queen cover?

Respond in the comments! (NO Umbrella)

And to hear more details about the new album and tour, here's an article on Uncut, and RoadRunnerRecords.com.

And to hear Queen covered, here's a link to the Queen Cover Story from two years ago.

I'm guest posting on Covering The Mouse today

If you're a fan of Disney Covers, you probably already know about Kurtis' excellent music blog "Covering the Mouse". But if you don't already know about it, you should check it out.

And today's a great day to do it. Kurtis frequently invites other members of the cover blog circle to guest post, and today was my day. And since I'd recently received a request to play Belly's cover of "Trust In Me" (thank you, David in Manchester), I decided to make that my contribution.

Check it out here.

Manics to cover Umbrella for NME

The Manic Street Preachers have recorded a cover of Rihanna's "Umbrella" for an upcoming NME (New Musical Express) ride-along CD. Second only to "Crazy", I know from my inbox that people are getting tired of hearing covers of this song, however, I've heard the Manics' cover, and it's a great interpretation - very reminiscent of their "If You Tolerate This, Then Your Children Will Be Next".

But I'll leave it up to you. Play it as the final nail in the "Umbrella" cover coffin? Or have you already had enough? Tell me, and your wish will be my command.

Covervision: "Hey Jude" by the cars

Not by The Cars. But by the cars.

Eh, just watch the clip. (Thanks to Liza at Copy, Right? for posting this.)

Coverville Facebook Application?

One of the most common recommendations that I have received for expanding the show has been social media and networks. I agree. And it seems like Facebook is the way I'm moving, and I'd like to create a Facebook Application for the show.

What would you like to see in a Coverville Facebook App? Here are some ideas that Im kicking around:
1. A constantly updating app that lists upcoming theme shows, cover stories and interviews, so you can make suggestions
2. A listing of the three most recent episodes of Coverville
3. Cover Song of the Day?

I think the biggest hurdle for me is that I don't know what Facebook is capable of, or how it would integrate with Coverville. I'm like that boss that came to his staff 15 years ago and said, "We need to get on this interwebs thing. Make it happen."

Now, I have created a Cover Song Trivia Quiz, and so far, the best score has been Dave Lifton's 91%. Is that a sign that I made it too hard?

If you're a Facebook power user, let me know what you think the right direction would be for me. I thank you.

Drunk Covers V on The Waiting Room

Forgot to mention last week that the folks over at The Waiting Room released their fifth installment of Drunk Covers, a three-hour tour with some great covery goodness. I haven't listened to the whole thing, but I liked what I heard in the first hour.

Click here

Under the Covers with 9FM

9FM in Chicago are playing nothing but covers today, and you can listen live from their website!

Thanks to Luke and Toyotaboy for the heads-up. Listen here.

You can also see a list of what they've played here.

Covervision: "Smoke On The Yangtze"

Can't embed this one, so you'll have to follow the link. But trust me - it's worth it!

Smoke on the Yangtze

Thanks to Chris from Champaign, IL for the suggestion!

Reaching out

You listen to the show, you call or email in your requests, and you even check the website. And I can't thank you enough for that.

Now I need your ideas. I'd like to increase the size of my audience, and as listeners and users of varying technical levels, you're in the best position to offer input on how I can make the show easier to find, listen to, and subscribe to. A bigger audience allows me to keep costs covered so that I can continue to focus on the content and quality of the show.

Post your ideas in the comments, or email me directly at the email address above. In addition to your ideas, tell me how you found the show, and how and where you listen to it, and if you were to recommend it to your less-technically-inclined friends, what their barriers to listen would be.

Covervision: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Brian and Ron both sent this to me this morning. And it's very good.

Hear the Jools' "Hootenanny" version on Coverville Episode 103.

Here I am now. Entertain me.

Covervision: "Carry On My Wayward Son" by "little girl on organ"

Unfortunately, her name isn't listed on the YouTube, but this is extremely impressive.

Thanks to Nick in Sydney for the link.

Ibbott surges ahead!

Thanks to David from Golden for this:

Of Montreal, of course

Listener Nathaniel turned me on to the blog You Ain't No Picasso, who today has unleashed 52 covers by the band Of Montreal. Listening as I write this, and they're definitely worth checking out!

Place your cursor here and press the button.

Covervision: Lisa Loeb and Dweezil Zappa - "Keep On Loving You"

Arcadia has been doing a great job of unearthing these videos and posting them in the forums. In case you haven't been following the forums (gasp!), here's one he posted about today that I think belongs front page. I've always been a fan of Lisa Loeb, and this is a great version of the REO Speedwagon classic.

Last week I was trying to think of an artist whose music I regularly purchase, who could have been discovered on American Idol. Someone who would make it through the auditions, who had the talent and the likability factor to make it through the whole season. I wasn't able to come up with anyone off the top of my head, until Arcadia posted this video, and I was reminded of Lisa Loeb.

I think I've had it with American Idol

I was in the middle of responding to a comment from the last show post, and I thought my response (and the resulting discussion) would benefit from being in its own separate post on the site. In show 414, I made some comments about my irritation with the exaggeration of percentages, most notably by the judges on American Idol.

Longtime contributor to the show Wayne responded thusly:
"Well if you will hop back on the American Idol train... :-)

I am taking a sabbatical - after I read the Ben Elton novel "Chart Throb", I just can't watch. I mean, how could 3 people see a whole football stadium full of people? At 2 minutes per audition minimum (before editing), that's 360 people in a 12 hour day.

It's a fraud - and you can take that to the bank, 1000% :-)"

No doubt, Wayne - and I'm happy to confirm it.

I can tell you with 100% (ahem) certainty that the three judges DON'T see everyone in that football stadium full of people. Tristan's former preschool teacher auditioned a few years ago when they came through Denver, and he spilled the beans about the whole ordeal.

If I remember his description correctly, you go through four or five auditions with producers who each wave you through to the next level. And obviously, the producers want the show to be entertaining, so not only do they push through the best of the best, but they also greenlight those folks who make for good "train wreck T.V."; those people who can't sing, who have unusual affectations, or in the case of the most recent episode, those who carry with them a baggie full of the last seven years of fingernail clippings.

And that's what makes the show a little mean sometimes. Some of these terrible singers have been told by the last few rounds of producers that they're making it through to the next round, so it's no wonder they look so crestfallen with they finally get the truth from Simon, Randy and Paula. The editing doesn't help them, either. In some cases, it appears that the singer finishes their butchering of "Total Eclipse of the Heart", only to find the judges silently staring at them, and the singer sitting there awkwardly in silence waiting for a response. In reality, I'm sure they've shot footage of each side silently listening to the other, and with some basic editing, you can make it look like awkward silence.

And I think I'm done with watching the show, or at least joining Wayne in taking a sabbatical from it.

Primarily, and this was also said by the wonderful Len and Nora over at Jawbone in their most recent show, because of the selection process, it's going to be rare to find exceptionally unique talent. Imagine an unknown Bob Dylan auditioning for the show. Or a Tom Waits. Think of any of your favorite performers, and imagine them singing for the judges. Not to say that there isn't a place in the music industry for American Idol; I think there very much is. And I think they have discovered some true talent that I've enjoyed: Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Kimberly Locke, Katharine McPhee, and more that I'm probably forgetting.

It's going to be hard, mind you, to stop watching. With four hours a week, it'll be hard not to stumble onto the show (when I'm not recording my own!)

A Rocket, Man. A Rock! It! Man!

Shatner smokes and emotes his way through Elton John and Bernie Taupin's "Rocket Man".

Make sure you get through to the four minute mark, for Shatner's swingin' third clone.

(Thanks to Jean Paul for the link!)

David Gilmour covers his late bandmate, Syd Barrett

Thanks to Arcadia (who's been posting some links to terrific covers in the forum lately) for the link, and for NatCast for providing an even better link.

David Gilmour covers Syd Barrett's "Dark Globe" in 2006, shortly after the passing of his old bandmate and friend.

Click here

Free Monthly Cover Songs from We Versus The Shark

Yes. It's a cover...of Super Mario Brothers

This honestly had me laughing so hard, tears were coming out of my eyes.

Click the link below to see videos of three or four levels of a knockoff of Super Mario Brothers that is so unpredictable, you'll wonder how someone could have thought of it.

And just when you think he's gonna make it...

(Thanks to NintendoWiiFanboy.com for the link)

Cold + Zombies = Monday

On the tail end of a cold that managed to hit the whole Ibbott homestead. But while you while away the hours waiting for the next chunk of the Countdown, enjoy my responses to the Coming Zombie Apocalypse on Renerd.com!

Braaaaaains here.

All this cover song article wants for Christmas is you!

Relish, a Northwestern North Carolina weekly that appears as part of the Winston-Salem Journal, is looking for suggestions for the worst cover songs of all time. Feel like contributing?

Click here to see the submission page.

12 Days Of Christmas

Performed by an amazing a cappella group, Straight No Chaser, the 12 Days of Christmas begins innocently enough, and then devolves into a myriad of other holiday classics, finally culminating in the very un-Christmas cover of...well, you'll just have to watch it yourself.

More Free Music Downloads!

First off, The Vancouver Sun is offering the "Seriously Westcoast Vol. 2" album for download, consisting of 16 holiday tracks performed by Canadians, including Sarah McLachlan and The Barenaked Ladies.

Download that here.

Second, the Vancouver Sun is offering a free download of a live cover EP by Okkervil River, called "Golden Opportunities", featuring covers of nine tracks, including songs by Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell and John Cale.

Download that one here.

Thanks to FongSongs, Shelby, and Nomi from Brookline, MA for letting me know about these!

I Would Walk 500 Miles To Have Rod Stewart Sing One Of My Songs

In an interview with the Daily Record, Charlie and Craig, the Reid twins better known as The Proclaimers, have revealed the item on the top of their Christmas wish list: to have one of their songs covered by Rod Stewart.

Or Jennifer Lopez.

Read the article here

Free 90's Cover EP

Shelby took some time out of his Shifted Sound-hosting and T-Shirt-designing schedule to let me know about a new FREE cover song EP available online. Click that link right there to get it!

The album cover is even a cover itself, of that '90's chestnut, No Alternative.

And speaking of Coverville T-Shirt designs, Shelby has created yet another new one - this time 80's-inspired! Check it out at the CafePress Store.

Covervision: The Posies' "Richie Dagger's Crime"

The Posies, one of my favorite groups from the 1990's (their Dear 23 album is one of my 10 Desert Island Discs), and their jangly-pop take on a punk classic! (And see if you can spot the tribute to George Harrison in the track)

How much did they make it their own? Here's the original:

Thanks to Aversion.com for the link!

Review: Goes Petshopping - West End Girls

Welcome to a new idea I've been playing with: doing reviews of cover albums (or albums that predominantly feature covers). It's another way that I can make this site the Cover metropolis that I've always dreamed it could be.

First up is a 2006 release by the West End Girls, called Goes Petshopping.

As you may have already deduced from the name, the Swedish West End Girls are a Pet Shop Boys cover band, with the album featuring 11 tracks that span the Boys' earlier career from the late 1980's to the early 1990's. With the exception of one track, the covers all come from the Pet Shop Boys' first four albums.

Like the Pet Shop Boys originals, the tracks are all electronica, however the covers are performed in a much more modern style of the electronica genre. In a couple cases, the songs sound like club versions of the originals with Neil Tennant's vocals replaced by Isabelle Erkendal's, and that's not such a bad thing. A freshening-up of those early PSB tracks are enough to revitalize and emphasize the subtly clever wordplay that made the originals excellent in the first place.

Their cover of "Rent" takes on a different meaning with the female vocals, and the sparse instrumentation adds a new depth, and even a little despair to the track. "Suburbia" gets a lush makeover, and the whispered vocals of "Being Boring" gives a seductive charm to the reminiscing lyrics. "Jealousy" has elements of the ballads on Garbage's BeautifulGarbage album, with a softer baby-doll vocal standing in for Shirley Manson.

The album doesn't have a lot of warmth, which the Pet Shop Boys' originals still managed to convey under all the synthesizers and drum machines. But the cold, mechanical, distant feel gives this album a unique style, and does give it enough to stand on its own.

Until I come up with something better to use in place of stars, we'll use the tried-and-true 0 to 5 method here.
Coverville Score: 3 of 5 stars

Purchase from Amazon: Goes Petshopping

The 23 Songs That Should Never Again Be Covered

Yuletide Zeppelin by Mojochronic

Merry Christmas from the Smithereens

Covervision: "Rocket Man" - David Fonseca

Congratulations to Cover Freak on their one year anniversary

Cover Freak (coverfreak.com), a blog that I subscribe to, just celebrated their one-year anniversary. If you haven't checked out some of the great cover music blogs out there, you really should. In addition to Cover Freak, here are the ones I subscribe to:

Copy, Right? (copycommaright.blogspot.com)
Fong Songs (fongsongs.blogspot.com)
Covering the Mouse - all Disney Cover Songs (coveringthemouse.com)
Cover Lay Down - focusing on folk covers (coverlaydown.blogspot.com)
17 Seconds - lots of great music, and usually a weekly cover cache (www17seconds.blogspot.com)
My Old Kentucky Blog - they occasionally post all the covers they can find of a certain song (myoldkyhome.blogspot.com)

Enjoy!

Covervision: WAZ - "I Will Follow" (orig. U2)

Had to make sure I shared this song with you (and thanks to listener Jason, who shared it with me). It's a former bandmate of Pete Yorn, named WAZ, and his excellent and unique version of U2's "I Will Follow"

I spoke with WAZ last week about putting the track onto Coverville, and while he was all for it, his lawyer was forced to say no. Why? Because Universal Music Group, U2's label has denied him permission to release this version. However, they were all OK with me linking to it in on the site, as well as to WAZ' MySpace page.

Listen to the cover, and also sample some of his excellent original music.

Have you gotten your 25 free songs yet?

When I get a request or suggestion for a song I don't have, one of the first places I go is eMusic. If you get a few tracks a month, it's cheaper than iTunes, and their library always surprises me with recognized independent performers and labels.

I continue to offer a free 25-song download for eMusic (as part of my affiliation), but what I often forget to do is present links to great cover albums that you might be interested in as excellent uses for your 25 songs. Yes, I do get a little cash for you using their service, but I would recommend the albums below even if I got nothing for it.

First off, here's a link to get your 25-free downloads. If you decide you don't like the service, you can cancel after you've gotten your free tracks.

Once you've gotten your credits, here are some albums I'd recommend:

Take Me Home: A Tribute to John Denver: An indie-pop tribute to John Denver, with Red House Painters, Low and others. (Thanks to Marc for letting me know about this album)

Trash Pour 4- Recycle Vol. 1: Along the lines of Nouvelle Vague, these are modern pop covers done in a European bossa-nova style, with a beautifully-accented lead vocalist.

Robyn Hitchcock - Robyn Sings: Robyn Hitchcock of the Egyptians and Soft Boys does an excellent two-disc album of Bob Dylan covers.

The Polyphonic Spree - The Fragile Army: No covers on here, but you know I'm a big fan of these guys, and their new album moves in a direction that will make them more easily appreciated by new listeners.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra - Wolfgang's Big Night Out: Swing-style versions of classical music pieces by Bach, Beethoven, and others. Cool, man, cool.

Let me know if you have other recommendations!

One for the Stones' lover's library

C.C. Chapman was cool enough to turn me on to a new offering by St. Martin's Press: "RONNIE: The Autobiography", by Ron Wood. Wood, of course, has been a guitarist not only for the Rolling Stones, but for the Byrds, Jeff Beck and The Faces, just to name a few.

Check it out!

Louisville's got you covered

The Louisville Courier-Journal ran an article today that talks about cover songs. Of note, writer Tamara Ikenberg talks about the recent phenomenon of cover songs that are produced quickly enough to chart alongside the originals.

Read it here.

Q: When is a tribute album not a cover album?

An upcoming tribute album is being completed now, dedicated to music of the Pet Shop Boys. Here's the catch: There's not a single cover song on the album.

Here's the article form Side-Line.com

Covervision: Stevie Ann - Toxic

This just might be my favorite version of the song! Thanks to Randy, who tweeted me the link...

'Coverbandland'? Where is that in relation to Coverville?

The Appleton (WI) Post-Crescent has an article today about the plethora of local cover bands, and the benefits of honoring great music that has come before.

I don't know how the movie is (yet), but the soundtrack is terrific.

Just bought the soundtrack to the new Beatles-inspired film, "Across The Universe". As someone who's heard more then a few Beatles covers in my time, I'm really impressed with these new arrangements. If you're even a casual Beatles fan, it's a recommended buy. And if you're the type who knows the Beatles originals backwards and forwards, these versions will make you discover the songs all over again.

iTunes and Amazon links included for your clickety-clackety convenience. (The iTunes version has 32 tracks on two discs, while the Amazon version has 16 tracks and one disc)

Across the Universe

Happy Birthday, Emily! And may I compliment you on your fine choice of apparel.

IMG_4196


Originally uploaded by oblivion9999

Special thanks to listener Oblivion for sending this in.

Toto's "Africa" covered beautifully by Andy McKee

Putting the song on the show wouldn't do the visuals justice. You need to see this guy's amazing guitar work to fully appreciate it. A great cover of one of my favorites.

Thanks to Curby in Charlottesville, VA for the heads-up!

Cheap Trick's Lonely Hearts Club Band

This weekend at the Hollywood Bowl, Cheap Trick will perform The Beatles' Sgt. Peppers album in its entirety, along with a handful of other Beatles tunes - all featuring special guests like Aimee Mann and Joan Osborne.

If any Covervillians go to the show, please post a quick review here afterwards!

Happy Birthday, David Hasselhoff

The Hoff himself is 55 today - and what better way to celebrate than to listen to his rendition of the B.J. Thomas/Blue Swede classic "Hooked On A Feeling", showcased by what appear to be his home movies? (Wait. Don't answer that.)

Thanks to Wayne for tipping me off to the event!

Within Temptation - "Running Up That Hill"

Thanks to Warren for letting me know about this:

It's as if Tori Amos was given the Dark Phoenix power to record a Kate Bush song.

Of Trivial Pursuits...

Last night, a few friends and I participated in the City Vs. City "Geeks Who Drink", a pub-style quiz game. And while we didn't earn a cash prize, we did manage to take fourth place overall! (The site doesn't list how many teams participated, but it does show the top 20, and from which bar/city they participated.)

Here's a link to the final standings!

At some point soon, I will be acting as guest quizmaster for an all-cover music round. If you're in the Denver area, keep an eye on the site so you can come and ridicule me!

Rise of the Silver SESAC

Last night I was a guest on the uber-geek podcast Extra Life Radio. It was one of the most fun things I'd ever done on Skype, the conversation was funny, lively, and touched on topics beyond cover songs.

And I made an announcement about a future Coverville project that I haven't announced here yet. Intrigued yet?

Check it out!

Incredibly touching

Thanks to Adam for sending this one in. Kind of along the same vein as the Who cover I posted yesterday.

I can't imagine that there'd be anyone who wouldn't be touched by this rendition of Coldplay's "Fix You" by Young @ Heart.

Jellyfish tribute album now on sale

The 5-song "preview" EP of the upcoming Jellyfish Tribute Album is now on sale, for $7. I've heard the preview tracks, as well as some of the tracks from the upcoming full release and this is a must buy if you're a fan of Jellyfish, or any of the splinter bands and artists that thrive in its wake.

As I understand it, the 5-song EP will have bonus versions of tracks that won't be on the final release, so it's not just a preview, it's additional material!

And I'd be promoting this even if it wasn't being sold by my buddies at Not Lame. But since it is, make sure to tell them Coverville sent you!

Click here to see more info, and listen to samples!

Just because we get around

Thanks to all the Covervillians who sent this one in:

A fun cover of the Who's "My Generation" by a band that's only slightly older than the Rolling Stones.

Coming up on the next Boned...

The ZedCast's Bruce Murray and I were recently invited to appear as contestants on PodShow's newest game podcast, Boned!

The first episode, featuring (the cool) C.C. Chapman, and the (multi-voiced) P.W. Fenton, and starring the snarky Johnny Todd and the delightful Tanya Trivia, is available now. And the episode with Bruce and me should be coming up soon.

Be warned. With a name like Boned!, you'd expect it to be unsafe for little ears or the office. And you'd be right.

Alanis' "Humps"

Wow. In the history of Coverville, no cover had netted more emails than one that hit the "tubes" just a little while ago, and I have to admit, it's a doozy: Alanis Morissette covering the Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps", complete with a video.

Alanis, I am duly impressed. After this, any time you want to come on Coverville, you've got my complete admiration:

Thanks to: T/Lloyd, Dale, Ian, Aurakill, Allison, Klaus, and both Ian R.'s (yes, two "Ian R."s pointed this out to me) for the link!

80's Pop Cover List on iTunes

Apple iTunes has unveiled an iMix of covers of songs from the 80s (my favorite decade for music, naturally). As with all their iMixes, there are some true gems ("Luka" by the Lemonheads, "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes), and some not-so-much (Jessica Simpson's "Take My Breath Away", Britney's "My Prerogative").

Every purchase you make using this link helps me out, so check out the list and see if anything tickles your skinny-tied fancy.

80's covers

Covers for a cause

The Lympsham Pre-school in Southwestern England, is recording a cover CD to raise money for the school, and including one of my favorite artists from the 80's, Mark King and Level 42 (Something About You, Running In The Family). I'll be picking up a copy of this CD in May!

Read all about it here.

The Filter

I've really been getting a kick out of The Filter - an iTunes-compatible tool that uses the AllMusic.com guide to make playlists of songs and artists that go well together. I select a few tracks in iTunes, click the button, and I get a new playlist with the songs I selected, plus several more that "fit" with the same artist and/or genre. I've gotten some great recommended songs, and it pulled stuff out of the deep end of the pool that I hadn't heard in a long time.

Here's some info about it, along with a download link:

The Filter
www.thefilter.com
Peter Gabriel’s music recommendation software to launch for the Apple Mac

The much-anticipated Mac version of music recommendation software, The Filter, will be launched by Exabre on March 21st, 2007.

Initially launched as a beta for PC/Win XP in 2006, The Filter instantly became a must-have for any self-respecting iTunes user, garnering great feedback from the media and users alike.

The Filter is the ultimate music recommendation service: it will create great playlists from your iTunes library, according to a couple of seed tracks you select; it can make these playlists according to your mood or your activity (the commute, the gym) and can update them daily to your iPod; and not content with recommending music from your own library, it will use its finely tuned analysis of your musical taste to recommend new music it thinks you will like.

The Filter is very easy to use. Simply download the free software, highlight one or two songs that typify what you want to listen to from your iTunes library and The Filter will generate a playlist for you (ideally you need to have over 500 tracks in your library to get the full benefit of The Filter). It saves hours of your time and will rekindle a love of your music collection. Even the most dedicated music junkie won’t be able to resist the temptation – great playlists within a matter of clicks.

And The Filter is intuitive. It works by scanning your library, using Artificial Intelligence. It is like a living brain, learning what you like to listen to by analysing your music tastes and cross-referencing with those of other users and musical trends. So the more you use The Filter, the better it gets at judging your tastes and the better its recommendations become.

The Filter will also be re-launching their website. The new site will give the user a bespoke “My Filter” page - with personal recommendations for songs and artists, plus biographies, pictures and videos (from You Tube).

The Filter has been developed by Bath based company Exabre, early pioneers of recommendation software for the digital music world. The Filter is backed by a team that includes rock visionary Peter Gabriel and Charles Grimsdale, founder of European digital music pioneer OD2 (now owned by Nokia).

The Filter for Mac runs on 10.4 with recommended 512MB and G4 or better set up.
The Filter is also available for Win XP and iTunes and the following Nokia mobile phones - Series 60, Nokia E60, N93 and N80, all at www.thefilter.com.

Today is your day to "Bum Rush The Charts"!

A group of podcasters has gotten together to send a message to the RIAA about the reach of podcasting and this new media. To send the message, they're taking a podsafe independent artist, Black Lab, to the number one spot on iTunes. It's a great idea, and the money generated from this movement is going to a great cause. It's 99 cents to buy the track, which I've bought, listened to, and can easily recommend.

Here's the link to find out more information and show your support.

Extreme Fiddle

Thanks to Nick for the heads-up on this, here's an amazingly talented fiddle player impressing the crowd with a couple of modern pop covers during an open mic night. Enjoy!

Jellyfish Tribute Album

After an exhausting weekend like we've had, I was excited to receive some great news about an upcoming tribute album dedicated to one of my favorite bands, Jellyfish.

I'll have more details in the upcoming weeks (including a potential giveaway that will be extremely cool), but here's where you can go to find out more and hear a sample track or two:

Jellyfish Tribute MySpace Page

Can't wait for this one. From what I've heard already, this is going to be excellent.

(update 3/19): Forgot to mention the name! It's called "Sensory Lullabies: The Ultimate Tribute to Jellyfish", and it will be coming out on the Burning Sky Records label. In addition, a 5-song "Hello" EP will be coming out beforehand, with two bonus tracks that won't be available on the final release. As soon as I have links to sites where you can purchase the album, I'll post them here!

Blogs and Cover Posts: A Great place to hear about new tracks

And this is a very good example:

USA Today's Pop Candy (blog and podcast) has a discussion going on right now about cover songs. Have a look and contribute your favorites!

Look out, Mr. Timberlake...

Thanks to John for this link. It's from the French version of the Pop Idol format (would that make it "French Idol"?), and it's a guy who can do an amazing beat box medley. pht-pht-pht-Check it out!

Total Eclipse of the Stovetop

Thanks to Ian and Rick for this link! Here's a YouTube video of Hurra Torpedo's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" which indeed is played on kitchen appliances (not an automobile accident, as I compared it to during last night's show).

Keep an ear out at about 1:05, where the vocals mysteriously change to "...living in a kowder peg and giving off sparks."

The band went in, and knocked 'em dead, in 2 minutes 59

Sandinista! by the Clash, is getting the cover album treatment, with an album released this May. Katrina Leskanich (of Katrina and the Waves fame) will be covering "Hitsville U.K.", as her "walking On Sunshine" shares a very similar bass line.

See a lineup of all the tracks and their respective artists in this article.

(Added) Even better, here's a blog about the making of the album: The Sandinista Project.

L.A. Face with the Oakland Booty

Well, sort of. Thanks to eagle-eyed listener Benjamin in Montreal, here's a YouTube viddy of countdown favorite Jonathan Coulton's "Baby Got Back" played with the slowed-down-and-perfectly-synced Sir Mix-A-Lot music video for the original.

Van Halen & Led Zeppelin sue Vail nightclub for playing cover songs without licensing

The Vail nightclub 8150 is getting sued by Jimmy Page and Van Halen for allowing bands to play cover songs in the club without paying ASCAP and BMI. In order for bands at the club to play cover songs, the club needs to pay the licensing dues (and report on everything that's played), not the performers.

Read the story here.

It's an unfortunate situation - you hate to dictate to a band that they can't play any cover songs. Especially if the band feels the vibe of the crowd, and decides it time to roll out "Heartbreaker" or "Black Dog". So many bands get their start playing cover songs (Led Zeppelin and Van Halen included), it'd be a shame not to let them perform them onstage.

What do you think?

The Killers' Romeo & Juliet

Thanks to Simpsons Fan for the link.

It's a beautiful rendition of the Dire Straits track (which is indeed my favorite song), but I'm not sure that it adds anything new to it. Listen and judge for yourself.

G'Day Coverville!

I was a special guest on TPN Founder Cameron Reilly's podcast, "Podcasting APB", where we talked about Coverville, licensing, the future of podcasting and CD openers.

Listen here!

A couple great YouTube Dr. Dre covers

(Added: By the way, these are severely NSFW)
(Added: more information about the first video, including a band link)

First up, an a cappella version of Ben Folds' cover of Dr. Dre's "B**ches ain't S**t" by the U of C Berkeley a cappella band, Decadence (thanks to Jordan for the link!)

Next, an acoustic cover of Dre and Eminem's "Forgot About Dre" by BlueSkyTomorrows (thanks to Courtney for the link!)

Valentine's show tonight...

Artie Wayne on the Web

Artie Wayne, songwriter, producer, singer - and amazing storyteller - has posted a wonderful and flattering article about me and the show on his site. Check it out!

I've had the pleasure of talking to Artie several times since I was introduced to him by (Podcast Voice Guy) Joe Klein. And his site is a rich tapestry of stories about the amazing songs he's been involved with and the myriad of people he's worked with. Most importantly, he's a damn nice guy.

Trivial Pursuits

Last night, I played in a bar competition called "Geeks Who Drink". We ended up winning the competition after a tie score going into the last round.

There's a photo with the article that would have looked much better had the flash operated... (That's me second from the right)

http://geekswhodrink.com/blog/index.php?blog=10&title=i_m_curious_are_you&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

Let's see how well you've been paying attention...

Take the Cover Test - courtesy of Richo in Australia.

Oh, uh...so THAT's what they're saying

Listener Don pointed me to this absolutely beautiful cover of REM's "It's The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" performed by Julie Moffitt. I'll see if I can contact Julie and get a recording of this to play on the show.

It's a unique rendition, and in addition, it's a way to learn the lyrics so you can sing along better than David Spade and Chris Farley in Tommy Boy.

Sounds like the mp3 player for cover lovers...

The new Vibez mp3 player from TrekStor has most of the same bells and whistles as every other mp3 player on the market these days...except one. According to the New York Times, the Vibez can generate "playlists based on variables like the number of times played, and has a 'cover version' feature that finds songs re-recorded by other artists".

The article didn't elaborate too much, but does that require you to have two songs with the same title in order for it to work? What about song titles like "Stay", that have been done in numerous original versions by multiple bands? And of course the big question: "Layla" by Derek and the Dominoes vs. "Layla" by Eric Clapton... cover or no?

Whoa - it does crossfades between tracks. Are you listening, Apple?

The next-to-latest Music I-Quiz features all Cover Songs!

Anna, who contributes frequently to the Musically Challenged segments on the show (and who I'm a big fan of), has done her second all-cover trivia podcast.

If you're a frequent listener to Coverville, you'll really enjoy this show, which has already managed to stump me, and I'm only on the first five questions!

Check it out here.

Biloxi Sun-Herald reporter digs Coverville

Allan Hoffman of the Biloxi Sun-Herald included Coverville as one of his "Five Good Podcasts To Get You Started". I'm very flattered to be mentioned - thank you, Allan!

And it should also be said that I'm a big fan of two of the other shows on the list, "The Bitterest Pill", and "This American Life"!

Oh yeah, about that T.R.A.S.H. Trivia Competition...

Here's an article from the Daily Camera about the trivia competition I was in this last weekend.

Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades to join forces for 2007 cover album

Styx's Tommy Shaw, and Night Ranger's Jack Blades, otherwise known as Shaw Blades, are following up their 1995 album "Hallucinations" with an all-cover album called "Influences", featuring tunes from the 60's and 70's.

Here's a link to the article with a track listing, which looks very interesting! "Dirty Work", "Lucky Man" and "Your Move" especially...

Scarlett Johansson recording an album of Tom Waits covers

Thanks to Tim Dressen of Five Hundy for tipping me off to this one.

Scarlett Johansson is putting together an album of duets with Tom Waits, covering his material. Hopefully it will be on par with "Has Been" William Shatner, as opposed to "Mr. Tambourine Man" William Shatner. From iafrica.com's entertainment section. IGN has more on the topic.

And hopefully not as bad as Peter and Jordan Andre's "A Whole New World" (which will bring tears to your ears). Wait for the female vocals to kick in about a minute into the track, which Jordan's people claim is from an imposter.

Not a cover, but a great song - and a video created by the "Coverville T-Shirt Guy"

Shelby Miller, host of the Shifted Sound Podcast, contributor of the most recent "Musically Challenged" segment, and designer of the full line of Coverville t-shirts, has created a visually stirring video for John Ralston's "Gone Gone Gone". This is easily as clever and professional as anything you'd see on MTV or Fuse, and when he gets all famous, you can say "Yeah I remember when I saw his video."

(Or bought his shirts) :)

Gone Gone Gone - Video

Note: The chorus has a NSFW word in it, but if you're not listening for it, you'll miss it. Just don't crank this at work.

Apple iTunes - 66 Alt-Rock Cover Songs

iTunes today introduced a list of cover songs as an iMix. Some gems in here, and certainly some contenders for the 2006 Coverville Countdown. Have a look!

The List: 66 Alt-Rock Cover Songs

Want to hear about the time I met Dick Clark, Richard Simmons and Sparks?

Sure you do. The story, and so much more, as I get inducted as an honorary member of the LA Podcasters.

Correction on Woodstock Cover Story (Episode 232)

Listener Peter S. from Beijing had a clarification on the Joni Mitchell/Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young item I brought up in show 232, the Woodstock Cover Story:

In addition to being an avid musician I am also an avid Crosby Stills Nash and Young fan. Your Neil Young Coverville was great as was your Woodstock Coverville.

One final word, while your cover version of Woodstock was OK (or "fun" as you said), the best cover version of the song (maybe even better then the CSN version) I have ever heard is Richard Thompson's haunting accoustic version he did live (in open D tuning I think) at the Hammerstein Theater as part of the "All-Star Tribute to Joni Mitchell" concert. The Stone Temple Pilots were to originally perform it but they were a no show and he filled in. Just some trivia for you. If you want to cite me during one of your shows I would greatly appreciate it as I got the Joni Mitchell story right. Keep the wonderful covers coming.

Thanks, Peter, for the email - interesting to know that both stories I had heard about Joni's absence were correct! (Sorry for the delay in getting this posted!)

An excellent article on cover songs

From the Oxford American "A Treatise on Cover Songs":

"Movies get remade, songs get covered. A cover song comes with history attached. The song’s past blends with its present to create something surprising yet recognizable: two stories in one, two contexts, two visions. Covers are familiar enough that we know what to expect, plus there’s opportunity for the unexpected, an appealing combination of same/different."

Tom Bligh absolutely gets it.

U2 and Green Day team up for Skids cover

While I'm giving you the "cover song" report, here's one more. U2 is releasing another "Best of" album, in case you hadn't heard of the band back in 2000 when they released their last one.

This one will include a couple of new studio tracks, one of which is a cover of The Skids' "The Saints are Coming", which they debuted at the New Orleans Saints' Monday Night Football home opener game last week.

250 is coming...in the meantime, I give you Kenny Loggins

Kenny Loggins talks about his favorite cover versions of his songs. And almost talks about his least favorite covers of his songs.

While I'm not a follower of all things "Kenny", I do like hearing interviewers ask musicians about covers of their songs that they like. And I can't think of the movie Caddyshack without thinking of his song "I'm Alright", which will be forever linked with the film.

Actually, I was always pretty fond of Bailey Quarters...

I was recently interviewed for the Boston Herald for their "Working Stiffs" article. Enjoy!

The Numark USB Turntable

I mentioned in show 237 that I picked up a USB turntable that I absolutely love, and that I'd put up a link to the turntable on Amazon, so people could pick it up.

I decided to go one step further, and not only link to the turntable, but show you the way that I've been using the turntable to digitize my old vinyl. First up, a photo and link to the turntable:

Link to Numark TTUSB Turntable on Amazon

The turntable comes with outputs for both USB and analog (with the typical red/white RCA-type cables). The only issue I have with the turntable is that it doesn't have a dustcover. I'm looking at cutting some plexiglass to make my own dustcover, and I'll put the instructions up for that when I do that project.

To record my vinyl, I use a program called Sound Studio (since I already owned a copy). Cost-conscious readers could use the free Audacity (Mac and Windows). I'm not familiar with Audacity, but maybe someone who is can chime in on the comments section.

You'll use your sound-editing program to record the whole album side, and you'll end up with a waveform, which will look something like this:

In most cases, it will be pretty obvious where each song begins and ends. In some cases, you'll have songs that segue into each other (like INXS' "Need You Tonight" and "Mediate"), but you can listen to the clip and see where the tracks should be broken. Or, if you're a dork like me, you'd actually prefer that these tracks are kept together instead of split.

To split the track in Sound Studio, you'll place the "insertion point" in the spot right before the music in a track starts, and then choose Marker from the Insert menu. After you've inserted all the markers for each of your tracks (make sure to put one at the beginning for track 1), you'll have something that looks like this:

The beauty of the markers is this. Once you've got them all placed, you can choose Split By Markers... from the Edit menu. This saves out each of the tracks as separate AIFF files, named after each marker. So you end up with files called "Marker 1.aif", "Marker 2.aif", etc.

My recommendation is to immediately burn these files to a CD, using Toast, as opposed to importing them into iTunes to convert to mp3. The reason for this is that once they're on a CD, you can use iTunes' CDDB track lookup to automatically title the tracks on your CD. I've been amazed that some of my albums, which I thought were pretty obscure, were automatically labeled when I inserted the CD in iTunes. (Vitamin Z's "Rites of Passage" - wha!). Then import the tracks, transfer to your iPod or mp3 player of choice, and you're done.

Questions, comments? Post 'em here, and I'll answer them!

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes booed by Pirates fans!

Horrible!

Read all about it here.

Thanks to Jim for the link.

CD trading at its best...

OK, so for the past few months, I've been trading CDs with people on LaLa.com. Not just cover CDs, but whatever I've got extras of. They're still in the beta stages, but so far, I haven't had any problems with them at all. Trades are $1, and for that, you get the disc, and usually liner notes and artwork (you can specify if that's a requirement for you). Shipping is taken care of.

It's invitation-only for now, like GMail was, but I've got a few invites. If you want to join LaLa.com, shoot me an email, and I'll send you an invite! Who knows, you might get one of my old Cover CDs.

No show tonight - but something that will move you instead

One of the amazing things that Coverville has done for me is introduce me to some amazing people. All of you listening to the show who have written and called in, fellow podcasters who I now regard as friends, and the talented musicians that have allowed me to share their music and their stories.

One of these musicians is a producer, songwriter and historian named Artie Wayne. Through Artie, I've gotten to speak to Shel Talmy, producer of the Kinks and the Who, and Alan O'Day, who had a number one hit with "Undercover Angel". Alan also wrote the song "Rock and Roll Heaven", which was a hit for the Righteous Brothers and Climax, and a touching memorial to the talented legends that have left us. And since the song was recorded, more of those legends have shuffled off to that great gig in the sky.

Alan O'Day has been keeping the flame burning, and added new lyrics to the song to commemorate another group of legends, and with some excellent vocal work by Ronnie Kimball, and a terrific video by Sebastian Prooth, the song continues to evolve.

Check out "Rock and Roll Heaven", courtesy of Artie Wayne.

*Special thanks also to Joe Klein, who introduced me to Mr. Wayne.

**The links in the first paragraph above are only a small portion of the people who I wanted to link to. I just didn't want to get all wordy on you.

Marietta's "Big Chicken" explained!

Special thanks to Tim, Tony, Rob and Stephanie for explaining the "Big Chicken" of Marietta, Georgia. Rob even sent a photo:

Its beak opens and closes, and its eyes even move. And Rob also adds: "Basically, you can give directions to anywhere in Atlanta, GA by starting out with, 'From the Big Chicken...', or 'Take a right at the Big Chicken.'" I love it!

Jeff Shaw of the Niagara Gazette talks about cover songs

Read it here...

Paris Hilton's album to be put on hold while she goes 'Crazy'

Since Paris Hilton needs a little exposure, I thought I'd share this breaking news...

That gum you like...is coming back into style

Stairway to Heaven backwards, and then forwards again...

Something D-O-O Economics...Voodoo Economics

Not quite a cover, but I love parodies too. (Parodyburg is just down the highway from Coverville). And a lesson in business, even... (Stagflate? That sounds nasty.)

Thanks to Jim H. for sending this to me!

Every Breath You Take

Thank you for your support!

Just a quick note to say thank you to all of you that listen and support the show. I'm an Amazon.com affiliate member, so when I put links up in the shownotes for albums that I play, I get 30 or 40 cents when you purchase them using those links. Even if you use the link to connect to Amazon, and end up buying something else, I still get referral money back from them. (so thanks also, to the folks who bought the Universal Power Supplies, and the big screen TV!)

All the money that you provide, whether it's through PayPal donations, Amazon and iTunes purchases, T-shirt sales and sponsorships goes right back into the show. Every penny. (I just did my taxes for the first year of Coverville as a business, so I know this!)

And on behalf of the artists that I play on the show whose music you've purchased, I also thank you.

Holm: "Cover artists bring musical world crashing down"

Christine Holm of the University of Wisconsin (go Badgers!) offers her perspective on cover songs. I don't think she'll be listening to Coverville any time soon.

Christine writes: "Following the news of Springsteen’s plans to release an album of Pete Seeger covers, the issue haunted me. Is he getting old? Tired? Uninspired? Can I continue to respect a musical legend who is essentially pulling a Mandy Moore Coverage? Can I respect a musician who compares on any level to Moore?"

Actually, I liked Coverage. I thought it was a terrific move for someone who had gotten pigeonholed into the same teen pop star status as Xtina and Britney to come out with an album covering people like Joan Armatrading and XTC. (That, and I thought she was pretty good on Entourage.)

Christine's opinion is that artists release cover songs as a sign that they've run dry for songs to write themselves, and that they're uninspired. I disagree. I've seen more examples where it's as a tribute to the original performer. If I were a musician, I'd probably have an Elvis Costello, Crowded House and/or Squeeze tune in my repertoire for just that reason. Those are bands that had an effect on me, and the best way to honor them is to introduce people to songs of theirs that might not be on their "Greatest Hits" CDs.

Well, that's my take. What's yours?

New show tonight - and Chris Daughtry controversy

I've been working a lot on the site and preparations for the big 200th episode coming up next month, but I didn't want to leave you listeners hanging. I'm itching to do a show, so I'll do one tonight.

Also, there's a bit of controversy going on right now, and to my delight, it's all about a cover song. Last week, Chris Daughtry of American Idol performed a version of Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line" that was based on the cover version that the band Live released on their greatest hits CD a couple years back. The controversy stems from the fact that Chris didn't mention in the show that his version was based on Live's, even when the judges complimented him on "making the song his own".

My opinion (not that you asked), is that Chris would have had to have played Live's version of the track for the producers, or gotten a hold of their musical arrangement, for the American Idol band to be able to play the song. Sure, it wasn't unique, but then again, it's American Idol. And the only really unique thing about American Idol this year is Taylor Hicks.

If you want to purchase Live's version from iTunes, use the link above. If you'd like to listen to a show where I played the track, you'll find it here.

(Update 7:35 PM MST) Tonight on American Idol, Ryan Seacrest did a little pre-song interview with Chris Daughtry.
Ryan: "So, the version of 'I Walk The Line' you did last week, that was Live's version, right?"
Chris: "Yes that was Live's version."
Ryan: "Live, Live Live?"
Chris: "Live. Live Live Live Live." (or something like that)

Consider it resolved.

They Might Be Giants...interpreted

Well, it's almost a cover.

Check out the TheyNow podcast, a podcast dedicated to They Might Be Giants. Bryan, the host of the show, asked me and a few other podcasters (like my pals in Jawbone) to contribute an interpretive reading of a favorite TMBG song.

Check out the results here...

I don't know why, but this is one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time.

Floating dog

And it has nothing to do with cover songs...

Selling CDs

(Looks like I'm on a bit of a post rush today - hope you all like the extra communication)

Got a great email today from Jim, who writes:

"In case it helps in your negotiations with RIAA/ASCAP/(etc.), I've already bought Shatner's "Has Been" CD based on Common People, heard on your show. My next Amazon order with have the Eva Cassidy CD for my wife. I'll prolly be getting another 2-3, I just don't know what yet. I need to re-listen to your archives."

And if you have a moment today, can you please visit Yahoo Podcasts, and leave a rating or review for Coverville? (More exposure in the podcast directories = more listeners & more independent artists)

Lemurs and Bunnies and Coverville, oh my!

Photo

A few more articles about me and Bobby McBackBeat

Here's a link on TechCrunch, a great posting by Dave Hamilton, my advertising buddy Dave Slusher described it very eloquently here, and 925m.com speaks of it as well.

Desert Island Discs

Had a listener ask me tonight what my "Desert Island Songs" were. My 10 favorite songs of all time. Given time, I think I could come up with them. But I thought it much easier to come up with my "Desert Island Discs".

Stuck on an island, with a CD player and an endless supply of batteries, here are the CDs I'd take with me (in no particular order):

"Argybargy" by Squeeze
"Quench" by The Beautiful South
"Armed Forces" by Elvis Costello
"Dear 23" by The Posies
"presents Author Unknown" by Jason Falkner
"Soul Mining" by The The (this would be tough because "Mind Bomb" is brilliant too...)
"Temple of Low Men" by Crowded House (another toughie. "Together Alone", or Neil's solo "One All")
"Purr" by The Dance Hall Crashers
"BeautifulGarbage" by Garbage
"15 Minutes" by Nik Kershaw

I avoided putting any Greatest Hits or other compilations in the list, but Steely Dan's "Gold" would likely be up there if not.

Yours?

(Next week I'll divulge who's on my Mount Rushmore. Yeah, I've thought about that too.)

New Zealand is Covered!

I've made some new additions to the Coverville Listener Map!

Welcome listeners from: Greenland, China, Thailand, Venezuela, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and New Zealand (home of one of my favorite artists, Neil Finn)!

Coverville in Houston Chronicle - iTunes - Voting

This is so cool I had to mention it on the blog... Coverville was mentioned very favorably in Bob Levitus' column in the Houston Chronicle on Monday. It's a great honor to be mentioned by Bob, whose tech opinions and reviews I often follow.

In other news, it looks like Apple is getting the kinks out of the iTunes issues I'd been having. A lot of listeners have been reporting success with getting Episode 106 in iTunes. If you know someone who'd like Coverville, now is a good time to get them connected. Burn a show or two to a CD and let them hear it in their car, and then help them get connected with iPodderX or iTunes if they like what they hear.

And I'll mention this once in the blog and once in the show, but it's the beginning of a new month, and I (and other podcasters) would adore your free love by means of a vote on Podcast Alley. If you haven't voted for me yet this month, please do so - and for each of the podcasts you listen to. And for those of you with no free time, you don't have to leave a comment, unless you'd like - I do read all of them! A lot of new listeners find the show via Podcast Alley's Top Ten list.

Happy Birthday, Debbie and Fred

From Blondie, Deborah Harry (1945), and from the B-52's, Fred Schneider (1954). In lieu of birthday cake, Eat a little Rock Lobster to the Beat.

In case someone wants to call in a B-52's or Blondie cover for Sunday night's show...(206-222-COVER [2683])

Tell Jamiroquai we've found the real Virtual Insanity...

This isn't a cover, but it's one of the coolest music videos I've seen since I bought the Michel Gondry music video DVD (which is excellent, by the way).

The Chalets - Feel the Machine (QuickTime MOV)

(thanks Screenhead)

She was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar...

MusicAustraliaGuide: "Garbage singer Shirley Manson has teamed up with namesake Marilyn Manson to record a duet of Human League’s "Don’t You Want Me Baby?" but there are no plans to release it…"

Whoa.

If anyone out there has any connections, and can get this as a "Coverville World Premiere" (with permission, naturally), I'll sew you an official Coverville afghan. Or buy you a Coverville baseball cap.

We had joy, we had fun....

Here's a little history on Terry Jacks' "Seasons In The Sun" - that bleary ballad from 1974. Look for various versions of the song in future shows...including the original French version.

Seasons In The Sun

Thanks to Dave and Todd for letting me know about this!

Covering U2

Interference.com has a very interesting article about U2 and Covers...