ALBUM REVIEW
The Like A Version series has become a pretty big deal. And why wouldn’t it? It’s like hearing your favourite new artists at a karaoke party.
Unlike previous volumes, which featured predominately older classics, Volume 6 gathers a fantastic line-up of modern artists, who cover a much-more contemporary list of songs. There are covers of Bluejuice, Hot Chip, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, MGMT, Goldfrapp and The Temper Trap, amidst only a handful of golden oldies, including Lou Reed, Jackson 5, Bruce Springsteen and The Saints.
Most of the artists do well to create their own unique sound while staying true to the original tracks. Top picks include Old Man River’s cover ofClap Your Hands by Sia, featuring some phenomenal clapping from Triple J breakfast hosts Tom and Alex, and Yves Klein Blues’ Walk On The Wild Side. Their version of the Lou Reed classic is bound to make you smile, with the extremely-mellow ukulele and harmonica backing.
Basement Birds offer an acoustic version of The Preset’s 2008 party-anthem My People. The slower pace actually gives you time to appreciate the lyrics, which aren’t just repetitive nonsense but refers to life in refugee camps.
Honourable mentions go to the lovely Regina Spektor, with her cover of a Radiohead classic, John Butler Trio’s Jackson 5 rendition, and more from Grinspoon, OK Go, Cloud Control, The Last Kinection, Jen Clohor & Jordie Lane and The Boat People.
Unfortunately, there’s a few artists that miss the mark, such as Mumford & Sons and Washington, who have basically just adapted someone else’s lyrics to their own generic sound, while The Temper Trap and Miami Horror lack innovation; sounding like pub cover-bands and leave you wondering why you aren’t just listening to the original version.
The novelty of Like A Version is much more than a fad, as you can always find a new band that you like or an old song that you want to hear. This isn’t the best volume available but refreshing nonetheless, and as with the entire Like A Version series, it’s still a great soundtrack to get you through the summer.