Wherein I put the ol’ iRiver on shuffle and post the first five songs that come up.
Keane – Somewhere Only We Know: I first heard this song off an online radio broadcast that Joaquin Phoenix did two years ago, picking his favorite songs. It was pretty much love at first listen. Unfortunately for me and my dial-up connection, it was the only song of which I was able to hear snippets during the broadcast. I call this fate. Since then, the use of the song in promotions for The Lake House has pretty much desensitized its simplistic beauty. I call this bullshit.
Angela Aki – KISS FROM A ROSE: Possibly the best cover song I’ve heard from English to Japanese. It combines the beauty of the original with Aki’s rich alto vocals and purely emotional piano playing. Good stuff.
DJ Tiesto – He’s a Pirate (Pete n’ Red’s Jolly Roger Radio Edit): In 2006, DJ Tiesto released a maxi-single full of trance/techno remixes of the song “He’s a Pirate” from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. This song is my favorite off the remix CD. It’s short, sweet, simple, and the original is still clearly audible.
Jessica Simpson – You Spin Me Round (Like A Record): A cover of the 80s original. I hate Simpsons’ voice (raspy, breathy, fugly), but I will admit her songwriters did well putting this song together. It’s a lot more upbeat and dream-like with an obese dose of synths. However, they took out one of the coolest parts of the song (you can’t just erase the bridge, dammit). You’ll see what I mean when you hear it.
Avril Lavigne – Slipped Away: This is the last track of the album Under My Skin. It begins with soft piano and than segues into a delightful rockish, ballad vibe. It’s a very sad song with elements of anger. Sorry, I’m too tired today to be witty tonight. You’ll have to take out the adjectives and mad lib this one.
appears 