More Cover Songs - Another Makeover Monday

"Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want", originally recorded and performed by the Smiths in the early 80's, has been covered by numerous bands, including, but not limited to: the Decemberists, Hootie & The Blowfish, the Dream Academy and Third Eye Blind. She & Him, the dynamic duo made up of Zoe Deschenal and M. Ward take a crack at it, too. Have a listen:

She & Him | Photo courtesy of Last.fm

Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want by She & Him

"Love Will Tear Us Apart" was written by Joy Division in August and September 1979, and debuted when the band supported Buzzcocks on their UK tour in September and October of the same year. The song was released in April 1980 and, after Ian Curtis's suicide that May, became the band's first chart hit, reaching number 13 in the UK. Canadian indie rock band Broken Social Scene recorded their version in 2009 for the Time Travelers Wife soundtrack.

Love Will Tear Us Apart by Broken Social Scene

"Oh! You Pretty Things" was written by David Bowie in 1971 for the album Hunky Dory. It became a #12 hit in mid-1971 when released by Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits. Electronic indie popsters Au Revoir Simone, whose name comes from a line in Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, give the song their signature sound.

Au Revoir Simone | Photo courtesy of Last.fm

Oh! You Pretty Things by Au Revoir Simone

Music Makes the Holiday...

It's the time of year when music seems to spill from doors and windows as you walk around, from stores, restaurants, homes and more. Music is a big part of my day to day life, so my love for holiday music probably won't come as any sort of surprise. Thought I'd start sharing some of my favorites with the Scene 13 crowd while we count down the days to our favored holiday.

"O Holy Night" was my mother's favorite holiday song. I remember hearing versions from Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and many other country artists that my mother adored. Though I'm not really a fan of the country genre, I do love the song...so I'm dedicating this to the memory of my mom. I think she'd approve.

Death Cab For Cutie | Photo Courtesy of last.fm

Moving from a spiritual classic to a more contemporary favorite, you just can't close your ears to a holiday love song. And, though I often find I'm hit or miss when listening to Death Cab For Cutie, I think Ben Gibbard and company did a fine job on this tune.



"Little Drummer Boy" is probably my favorite holiday song. I say probably because I also love "Do You Hear What I Hear". I listen happily to the Bing Crosby/David Bowie duet and I'm also a fan of the Jars of Clay version. But if I had to choose my favorite rendition of my favorite carol, I'd choose the one I'm posting below. There's something somber and sober, but still uplifting, about the Bright Eyes version.

Glasvegas | Photo Courtesy of last.fm

There's nothing wrong with penning a new holiday classic, from time to time. Scotland's Glasvegas did just that with this gem:



I'll be posting and discussing holiday songs often throughout the rest of the month. Hope you'll swing by and let me know what you think!