Covers made into new originals.
Triple J doesn’t really do too many good things these days, but 'Like A Version' is an exception. Touring acts from around the globe pop into the Triple J offices and perform live cover versions of whatever songs they please, which results in an enjoyable listen and some very unique and original takes on the classics.
Now on Volume 8, the 'Like A Version' package has a new record of tunes accompanied by some visuals on a DVD disc. As with all compilations of this kind there are hits and misses, the first obvious moment of genuine brilliance is Boy And Bear's minimalist strings cover of 'Walking On A Dream' originally written by Empire Of The Sun. The best covers are the ones that have clear elements of the first version mixed with the unique styles of the performing artist, and this track is the first true example of this that nearly betters the original.
Following this example are City And Colour’s folk like take on Kimbra's 'Settle Down' and the stand-out of the entire compilation, Missy Higgins piano version of Gotye's 'Hearts A Mess'. Jinja Safari offer an interesting take on R. Kelly's 'Ignition (Remix)' laced with sitars and percussion while Josh Pyke finger picks his way through a folky version of The Jezabels 'Endless Summer.'
Matt Corby shows that he has come a seriously long way from his Australian Idol days with his subtle version of The Black Key's 'Lonely Boy' and Jebediah remind us all of the great days of music that the came up in with Custard's 'Apartment.'
The recording quality is always premium on releases like this and it can easily be forgotten that these are live performances. The DVD is a little un-interesting as it really is just a select number of songs played in the studio edited together without much flair, but really, you are coming here for the music.
There really aren't too many misses when looking over the playlist with most artists doing well to steer away from a standard replication of the songs chosen making 'Like A Version' Volume 8 a worthwhile use of the airwaves.
Track listing CD:
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Track listing DVD :