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Article: Between the Covers

Between the Covers

Foals Cover Gwen Stefani's “Hollaback Girl” The opening drum beat and melody to Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” are instantly recognizable in the Foals’ cover. But the smooth British accent and rhythmic guitar picking give the infectious pop song the stripped down, indie-rock treatment. As the saxophone and drums get more intense, the soft singing turns into angry cheerleader chants we expect from the song . As the boys shout “This sh*t is bananas: B-A-N-A-N-A-S,” pronouncing “ba-NON-as” the British way, you can’t help but smile at this comical crossover.

The Da Vincis Cover  M.I.A's “Paper Planes” The Da Vincis’ cover of M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” starts off like a regular indie pop song, with simple drums and waterfalling “woo-ohs” – and then the singer gets to the distinguishing rap of M.I.A.’s hit song, but continues singing it with feathery vocals over the telltale yet simple, repetitive synth line. The band keeps the gunshot and cash register noises, turning the song (even more) comical by exaggerating sound effects and drawing out lyrics like “Third world democracy / Yeah, I got more records than the K.G.B. / So, uh, no funny business” and “Hit me on my burner prepaid wireless / We pack and deliver like UPS trucks." (Why is it that whenever rap lyrics are pronounced normally, they sound more strange?)

Magnet & Gemma Hayes Cover Bob Dylan's “Lay Lady Lay” Irish songstress Gemma Hayes joins Norwegian singer-songwriter Magnet on this slowed-down, spaced-out cover of Bob Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay.” A country twang is heard gently rumbling beneath the wavering strings that draw out the melody into a dreamy trance, fitting the song’s plea to “stay, lady, stay” (one that is echoed by many a warm and comfy bed on those lazy Sunday mornings – a feeling perfectly captured in this cover). The cover’s video turns the song into a quirky trailer trash love story, featuring Magnet in a trucker hat and aviators seducing Gemma Hayes in a mess of blond hair and make-up as they lie in bed together. One by one, they’re joined by more and more characters who crawl out of the covers: Violinists, a drummer, guitarist and trumpet player (all adding a new meaning to “big brass bed”).

Be sure to check out: The String Quartet Tribute to Gwen Stefani Available now at iTunes and Amazon

The String Quartet Tribute to Bob Dylan Available now at iTunes and Amazon

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