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!