The Like A Version segment on national broadcaster triple j has built a steadfast reputation for quality artists doing quality covers. What started out as simply some Breakfast show guests playing their favourite artists’ tracks is now an institution, complete with its own CD/DVD series.
Now up to its eighth installment, the triple j Like A Version soundtrack colours this summer with a variety of takes on new hits as well as older classics. Though not all artists have stretched their boundaries – Hilltop Hoods, in particular, with their cover of the Beastie Boys – there are certainly some pleasant surprises hidden amongst the 21-song tracklisting.
Bluejuice score the opening slot with Lana Del Rey’s Video Games, played in a sprightly country folk vein which strips away much of the depressive drama that saturates the original. Jinja Safari inject a funk vibe into R. Kelly’s Ignition (Remix), while Ladyhawke does a Patti Smith inspired take on Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit.
Then there’s those artists that seem to turn anything they touch into gold – artists like Matt Corby and Bon Iver. Respectively covering Black Keys’ Lonely Boy and Anais Mitchell’s Coming Down, they are standout moments on Like A Version 8. Interestingly, Corby himself is covered by Thundamentals, who turn his hit Brother into quite a neat little hip hop tune. Deep Sea Arcade had a crack at the Chemical Bros.’ Let Forever Be, and impressed the original artists so much they even tweeted about it. Nothing better than a bit of tweeting admiration.
Missy Higgins and her piano cover of Gotye’s Hearts a Mess deserved a mention, while the Active Child’s harp-led Sweet Dreams and The Medics’ breathy, ethereal take on Blowin’ In The Mind give a classy twist to what is now one of Australia’s most original release of unoriginal material.
BY JEN WILSON
Best Track: Lonely Boy MATT CORBY (covering The Black Keys)
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: The other Like A Version releases
In A Word: Covered
