Twisted MixTape: Cover Me This Batman

I'm back. It's been a few weeks and I admit, I've been a rude guest. I've been really busy and I didn't even send back my RSVP to Jen at My Skewed View, that I wouldn't be hanging out at the MixTape party. But here I am, and I brought a hostess gift.

This weeks Twisted MixTape theme is cover songs. I.Love.Covers. Just really enjoy hearing one artist interpret another. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but tonight... all winners.

The first song was written in 1969 by American musician Steve Young. I first heard it covered by Rita Coolidge in 1970, but the best cover I've heard is the one with the five-part harmony.

The Eagles "Seven Bridges Road"

The Everly Brothers have had their songs covered endless times. One of the most interesting is this.

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant "Gone, Gone, Gone"

I used this next song in one of my "Got It Covered" features, that sadly I haven't done in a while. My dear S-I-L the fab Ms. G turned me onto it, and without a doubt it's one of the best covers I've ever heard. Originally by Cheap Trick, it's hard to believe it's the same song.

The Holmes Brothers "I Want You To Want Me"

I cannot do this list without something from one of the greatest song interpreters, Joe Cocker. But which one to choose? "With A Little Help From My Friends," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Feelin' Alright," "Summer In The City," "Something," are all worthy choices. But I think I'll go with the girl who worked in fifteen clubs a day.

Joe Cocker "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window"

Now I just have to throw an old blues number in the mix, but which one. There are literally hundreds to choose from and I love them all. So, I think I'll pick a blues cover which helped me start to dig deeper into the genre. Originally by Big Mama Thornton, who does a great job herself, this is from Janis.

Janis Joplin "Ball And Chain"

My last selection is just incredible. Some of you may be aware of this video, it's gone viral. It's just two guys, on guitar and bass, sitting in a pizza joint singing one of the best covers. Check out the number of views. Top rock stars would die for those numbers. I actually had the pleasure of interviewing him, it will be posted over at Earth Hertz as soon as I get it finished. It's a great story even without the music. Anyway, this is just wonderful.

Mike Masse and Jeff Hall "Africa"

Covers... I got a million of 'em, but that's enough for tonight.

Doubling Down for Tuesday's Twisted MixTape

Last week I was able to squeeze in Jen's MixTape Tuesday blog hop and this week, I'm gonna do it again. This week the theme is Duos or Duets, and for once, I had a flood of possibilities right off the bat. I've decided not to mix and match, but to just go with Duets.

One of the greatest duets ever, and don't argue with me on this, was Marvin Gaye and Tammi Tyrell. Not only did they have great songs to work with, their voices paired perfectly. They had several hits together, and because I can't choose between my two favorites, I'm posting two of the best duets.... ever.

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

"You're All I Need To Get By"

One of the most enduring duets, and one which both singer-songwriters still sing, both solo and when they do shows together, was written by Carole King and included in her album Tapestry. James Taylor also recorded it for his album Mud Slide Slim. But the song really comes alive when they sing it together.

"You've Got A Friend"

The album Raising Sand was a brilliant collaboration between Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. It was actually the first time Plant had shared the vocals with anyone. My favorite off the album...

"Killing The Blues"

Whether it's the title, the lyrics or the vocal give and take, when Don Henley and Stevie Nicks got together, it was perfect. This is an early demo version.

"Leather And Lace"

Tina Turner has done several duets over the years. She always knocks them out of the park. For this exercise, I'll go with her duet with Bryan Adams, from his off-the-charts successful album Reckless.

"It's Only Love"

One of the first, if not the first duet I ever remember was from a husband and wife team, Who could have imagined where this song would lead. Is there anyone who doesn't like it, know the words, and sing along every time you hear it? Sonny & Cher.

"I Got You Babe"

This was fun and for me, a real easy list. Thanks Jen, for always putting out the welcome mat.

Got It Covered Today: Serving Up Green Onions

Had a question on twitter today from musician Andrew Boyd as to what I thought were some of the great cover songs ever recorded. While I'm still working on that list, a few that came to mind were the Robert Plant-Alison Krauss version of "Black Dog", Heart wailing on "Rock & Roll" and basically any song that Joe Cocker has covered.

So I thought today's lick should be a classic cover.  Roy Buchanan was the son of a sharecropper and he could play the blues like nobody's business.  Mostly using a 1953 Fender Telecaster, Roy could make you see its soul fly out.  A true guitar picker in every sense of the word, today's tasty treat is a cover of the classic Booker T and the MGs "Green Onions."

Gonna make you cry.

Rock It or Roll It: Taste Both

Arrangements...they can make a song speak softly or come at you full balls on.  Today we taste one song with vastly different flavors.  Up first, let's visit Led Zeppelin doing "Black Dog"...Robert Plant young, shirtless, very tasty...Jimmy on fire with those familiar riffs.

Doing a complete turnaround...many, many years later, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss starting out acoustically with  "Black Dog", then bringing in a little electric.  Vocally, I think the acoustic version though not as intense, is a sexier, sweeter version.

Now, for an daily listen, I would still go with Zep, but it sure shows how far musical vision can take a tune.

Snack on both.