Okay, so let’s start off by saying that Mailo and I agreed to disagree on Mary J. Blige’s cover of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” which was featured on the Covers Revue last week.
He said, and I quote, “I disagree, MJB’s version is just as good as Aretha’s!” A respectable opinion, to which I responded, “And that’s precisely what I think…cuz it’s the same exact song! Booooooring!”
Aside from Mailo and I apparently having nothing better to do than text each other about our disagreements on our blogs, we can have pretty legitimate arguments. So I decided to back up my end in this week’s Covers Revue.
Ben Gibbard can be considered an Indie god for his work in Death Cab for Cutie, but in 2001 he ventured off and formed a side band with producer Jimmy Tamborello. The Postal Service was heavy on electro-pop sound and their debut album Give Up’s lead single was “Such Great Heights.”
The track starts off with bubbly effects and gives way to a quick snare beat and Gibbard’s light voice. The song’s piano melody and beat paired with Gibbard would sound upbeat if it wasn’t for the thick, bass-y synth that underlies it all. Have no fear though; the song picks up the mood during the chorus with the re-introduction of the bubbles, claps, heavenly synthesizers and dance-able guitar melody that serves as the bridge.
In what I consider one of the best movie soundtracks, actor Zach Braff chose Iron & Wine’s cover of “Such Great Heights” to not only be included in the “Garden State” soundtrack, but to also serve as the music for the theatrical trailer.
Samuel Beam is the sole member of Iron & Wine (unless he’s on the road) and simply does an amazing job covering The Postal Service’s track. His version is considerably slower and features only an acoustic guitar. The finger-picking of the guitar strings is beautiful and Beam’s scratchy voice is almost at a whisper. My favorite part of the song is his voice harmonization! I love his subtle voice and that love grows exponentially when there’s more than one!
This stripped-down track is so completely different because not only does it sound different but it creates a whole other vibe. Sure, Blige’s version is okay but it would have been a lot better if she had made it more of her own song. I understand the risk of harsh criticism if Blige were to go off and do her own thing, but she’s gotta take a risk! Beam definitely did that with his cover of “Such Great Heights” … Now that’s what I call a cover!
Which do you like best?