Cover Songs, Opinions on First Aid Kit & Mark E. Smith

Cover Me

Jim and Greg talk to author Ray Padgett about his book Cover Me: The Stories Behind the Greatest Cover Songs of All Time. They discuss the roots of the term "cover" and dig into the surprising stories behind some of rock's most notable examples, from Elvis's rendition of "Hound Dog" to the Feelies doing the Rolling Stones. Plus, Jim and Greg share a few of their favorite cover songs. Plus, a review of Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit and a remembrance of Mark E. Smith of The Fall.

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Ray Padgett

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to author Ray Padgett about his book, Cover Me: The Stories Behind the Greatest Cover Songs of All Time. They discuss what makes a good cover version of a song, as well as what makes a bad one. Plus, they dig into some notable rock covers that Ray mentions in the book. Then, Jim and Greg share a few of their favorite cover songs:

Greg

  • The Talking Heads, covering Al Green, "Take Me To The River"
  • The White Stripes, covering Dolly Parton, "Jolene"

Jim

  • Yung Wu, covering Phil Manzanera, "Big Day"
  • Galaxie 500, covering John and Yoko, "Listen the Snow is Falling"

Ruins First Aid Kit

Ruins

The Swedish duo First Aid Kit is returning with their fourth studio album, Ruins. The band, made up of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, is known for their beautiful and intricate harmonies. While Jim loves these harmonies, he finds that Ruins relies on that strength a bit too much. He loves when the duo ups the production with a big backing band sound that pushes them out of their comfort zone. He thinks Ruins is half a great album and gives it a Try It. Greg really enjoys First Aid Kit, and loves when they show a different, rocking side to them. He loved when the band performed a cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" when he saw them on tour in 2015. He also loved their single "You Are the Problem Here," a song that eviscerates men who abuse their power to harass women. Greg wishes he would have seen more of the duo's intense side, but he enjoys the harmonies and beautiful vocals the band supplies. He gives it a Try It.

Obit: Mark E. Smith

CMark E. Smith

Mark E. Smith, the lead singer of the post-punk band The Fall, died at the age of 60. The Fall emerged in 1976 and with 32 studio albums and some additional 30 live albums, one can see how the band is both impactful and daunting. Their sound was grinding and aggressive, often paired with Smith's caustic lyrics. Jim has mixed thoughts about The Fall and Smith's aggressive performances, but thinks that there are about a dozen or so great tracks worth your time. Greg thinks there are plenty of songs and albums to recommend to the uninitiated. Smith had some great tracks on early ‘90s albums like The Infotainment Scan, showing moments of entry points. However both hosts agree that Smith's contribution to music as a lyricist and performer was one-of-a-kind.

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