Lightspeed Champion - Back To Black (cover)

A guilty pleasure of sorts, given that I wouldn't readily admit to having it on my ipod - and it's originally an Amy Winehouse song... Anyway, this song is a fantastic reinterpretation of it, mournful and melancholy. The melody has a kind of fragile beauty to it, much softer than the original, but the vocals still carry the emotion necessary to pull it off. The lyrics are wonderful at times (We only said goodbye with words) and in between are passable. As cover versions go, this is one of the great ones, a re-invention of a half decent tune as a gorgeous new creation. Give it a go, whatever your thoughts on the original - it'll change your mind.

-faithfulradiowhore

The Maine - I Wanna Love You (cover)

Yet another example of eclectic song of the day tastes, with this beautiful sunny day best accompanied by The Maine's cover of an Akon original. From the 'Punk Goes Crunk' album, this is a masterful reworking of an R&B classic. Perfect for those who like their music a little more pop-punk, but don't want to lose the underlying tone of the song. It's not groundbreaking, not the song of the century by any means - but it's catchy as hell, and perfect for those summer afternoons they promise us are coming... so give it a listen, save it to your playlist, and thank me come summer.

-faithfulradiowhore

The Fray - Heartless (cover)

Oh, I am a sucker for cover versions, especially good ones - and twitter yesterday got me thinking about my favourites. Some of them have already featured on the site, but this one is the most recently discovered. Originally a Kanye West song, The Fray's version of Heartless is an entirely different kind of experience. This version has the most beautiful melancholy feel to it, with an acoustic backing and plaintive vocals. I'm not a massive rap fan, so this version gives a chance to examine some pretty emotive lyrics - but, to be honest, The Fray could make singing the alphabet sound like an instant classic.

-faithfulradiowhore

Bruce Springsteen - Chimes of Freedom (cover)

On this day in history, where Egypt has rid itself of Mubarak after 18 days of protest, only a song for freedom is appropriate. Originally a Bob Dylan song, this cover is only fitting for The Boss. A grand, soulful, fitting tribute to freedom and the struggles around the world to find it. Solidarity.

-faithfulradiowhore

The Cribs - Bastards of Young (cover)

This song, originally by The Replacements, is a fantastic example of eighties riffs mixed with a disillusioned yet completely accurate view of the world. I will admit that the first thing which attracted to me to this song was the following words; 'the ones who love us best are the ones we'll lay to rest, and visit their graves on holidays at best, but the ones who love us least are the ones we'll die to please.' those lyrics cut to the heart of humanity, and the fact that they have a good tune behind them only highlight their poignancy.

-faithfulradiowhore

The Cab - Disturbia (Cover)

This song has to get a mention, as the Punk Goes... album collection has always held a special place in my heart, with notable contributions such as The Maine's I Wanna Love You (Punk Goes Crunk) and Midtown's Your Love (Punk Goes 80s). This version of Rhianna's Disturbia is (for me) improved by a little bit of The Cab treatment, giving it a definitive poppy edge which contrasts well with the darker tones of the song. Addictive music candy.

-faithfulradiowhore.