Sydney classical outfit Aston have been adding a touch of class to The Matty Johns Show each week. If you haven’t caught their reinterpretations of modern pop and rock songs, check out this reimagining of Rihanna’s “Rude Boy.” I’m not a fan of the original, or of classical music generally, yet I love this. If you do too, make sure you visit Aston’s YouTube page, where you can see more clips and vote for the song you want them to take on next!
Tag: covers
"No Man’s Woman" – Various Artists
Some say the concept album is dead, but don’t tell that to the folks behind No Man’s Woman. The album features some of Australia’s finest male artists covering songs made famous by iconic female figures.
The results are surprising. I would never have expected some of the song choices, like Josh Pyke’s Kate Bush cover, or The Vines’ reinterpretation of The Veronicas. Some of the artists are faithful to the originals, while others opt for dramatic reworkings. Despite these different approaches, all the musicians involved ultimately show a respect for the original artists.
Now I’ve had the disc for a while I find myself repeating Lior’s glorious cover of “Landslide,” Angus Stone’s poignant version of Joni Mitchell’s “River,” and Dan Kelly’s ukelele-driven interpretation of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” But I still can’t warm to Tex Perkins’ menacing “I Am Woman,” or The Vines’ dirge-like “4Ever.” Many of the tracks won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but that’s part of the joy of an album like this. There’s enough diversity here to keep everyone satisfied.
No Man’s Woman is currently available with a limited edition bonus disc, featuring nine of the original songs (or technically eight and Sinead O’Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U”). It’s a great reference, giving listeners the opportunity to see where these new interpretations came from.
More Motown from Human Nature
Human Nature figure that when you’re on to a good thing, stick to it. That’s why they’re releasing their third album of Motown covers, Get Ready.
But don’t think this album is more of the same. Motown legends Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Martha Reeves (Martha and the Vandellas), and Mary Wilson (The Supremes) all make guest appearances for an added dose of cred.
In fact, Smokey was so impressed by our local lads that the recorded two songs with them: the album’s title track “Get Ready” and “Tears of a Clown.”
He’ll also join Human Nature for their promo tour later this month. According to Sony BMG, Smokey will sing “Get Ready” with the boys on Dancing with the Stars on November 20. But he won’t leave the country until the 25th, so there could be a couple more appearances in store.
Will Get Ready emulate the success of their earlier Motown efforts? Reach Out and Dancing in the Street both topped the charts and achieved multi-platinum status. But this time around, Human Nature face stiff competition from Guy Sebastian’s The Memphis Album.
Only time will tell who wins this soul covers battle. Get Ready will hit stores on November 17.
Image source: Jeaneeem @ Wikimedia Commons
Guy Sebastian Inspired By Stax Soul
It worked a treat for Human Nature, but will rediscovering his soul roots pay off for Guy Sebastian? Australia’s original Idol recently visited the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis to record his soul covers album.
While Human Nature tackled the sweet harmonies of Motown, Guy Sebastian’s record will cover the grittier recordings of Stax. Think Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Jackie Wilson, and other legends.
Guy’s enlisted a top team of talent to help him capture Stax’s sexy sound. Founding member of Booker T and the MGs, Steve Cropper, produced the album while his former bandmate Donald “Duck” Dunn lent his bass-playing prowess.
Fans can expect to hear some of these classic soul covers when Guy performs acoustic shows around the country. He plays the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel in Adelaide tonight before visiting Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.
Image source: DianeSunshineCoast @ Wikimedia Commons