Songs you should hear: covers edition

This week’s song blurbs are all covers, reimaginations of classics that throw them into different genres, fresh new takes that give new life to songs.

 

Anderson Paak – Seven Nation Army

A throwback to when Paak was more Breezy Lovejoy than Free National for a song off his album “Cover Art.” His funked up version of the White Stripes’ anthem is just one track on an EP that seamlessly shows up, in quick succession, Neil Young, the Beatles and Toto.

 

Norah Jones – I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight

Jones’s distinctive lilting piano and make-you-warm-and-fuzzy voice of an old Bob Dylan song liberates another gorgeous Dylan song from his harmonica and unfortunately nasal voice. Not much to be said about this one: it’s Dylan’s songwriting packaged and presented by Jones.

 

Snarky Puppy feat. Chris Turner – Liquid Love

From Snarky Puppy’s live album “Family Dinner Volume II,” the puppies’ rendition of “Liquid Love” is probably better classified as a collab but is too good and groovy to not include. For a chiller moment with Snarky Puppy’s brilliance, listen to their version of “Sing to the Moon” with Laura Mvula.

 

Lake Street Dive – I Want You Back

Boston-born indie/blues band Lake Street Dive takes on the Jackson Five classic with just a bass, trumpet, half a drum set and the impossibly rich voice of lead singer Rachael Price.

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