Killing In The Name – Disco Biscuits vs. Peaches en Regalia – Bonerama
The Skinny: The Disco Biscuits have debuted a slew of covers over the past few years, but none as powerful as their take on Rage Against The Machine’s Killing In The Name. Bonerama add a dash of funk to this delicious version of Frank Zappa’s Peaches en Regalia.
Spanish Castle Magic – PBS vs. A Day In The Life – Phish
The Skinny: Brian Stoltz channels Jimi Hendrix during PBS’s show-stopping cover of Spanish Castle Magic, while Phish channels The Beatles for a song that Paul McCartney didn’t even have the balls to cover until recently.
Sledgehammer – DMB vs. Wind Cries Mary – Martin Sexton
The Skinny: The Dave Matthews Band busted out a number of covers last summer, but none as good as their take on Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer. Martin Sexton also plays a ton of covers with his take on Hendrix’s Wind Cries Mary standing out from the pack.
The Seeker – Pearl Jam vs. Sittin’ In Limbo – Garcia/Grisman
The Skinny: Pearl Jam has been covering The Who since their early days and sneak their fantastic version of The Seeker into setlists on rare occasions. Jerry Garcia has always loved to sing Jimmy Cliff’s Sittin’ In Limbo and brought the song to his project with David Grisman, where the two greats teamed up for this beautiful cover.
Making Flippy Floppy – UM vs. Bell Bottom Blues – Trey Anastasio
The Skinny: Umphrey’s McGee first covered Making Flippy Floppy for a Talking Heads tribute album and the tune quickly became a band and fan favorite. Trey Anastasio debuted a number of tunes he always wanted to play on his first solo tour with this Clapton cover standing out from the rest of the pack.
Jealous Guy – RMB vs. Can’t Find My Way Home – Widespread Panic
The Skinny: Ryan Montbleau channels Donny Hathaway’s version for his band’s cover, while John Bell goes falsetto to tackle Winwood’s vocals on the Blind Faith masterpiece.
Creep – Gov’t Mule vs. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover – Mr. Blotto
The Skinny: Warren Haynes eschews Thom Yorke’s falsetto in favor of belting out this cover of Radiohead’s most radio-friendly song, while Mr. Blotto works a rap about Bill Clinton’s impeachment into their impressive Paul Simon cover.
Don’t Let Me Down – Van Ghost vs. Not Fade Away – Grateful Dead
The Skinny: Van Ghost vocalists Michael Berg and Jennifer Hartswick deliver top-notch vocals on their Beatles cover, while The Dead have made this Buddy Holly cover their own thanks to over 20 years in heavy rotation.
Now, we’re not going to give guidance on how you should judge each entry. Vote for whatever cover you want for whatever reason you want. The polls close at 11:59PM EDT on Sunday night and we’ll be back with our Round of 8 one week from today. If you feel like sharing your choices, let us know which covers you picked by leaving a comment below…
10 Responses
Oh… this is awesome.
First, I have to listen to some of these tunes, then, it’s go time.
Go Blue and go Blotto!
Brilliant idea dudes and sick logo.
Fantastic.
This looks like it took some serious effort. Well done.
I’m halfway through listening.
make sure you listen to mr blotto track. they are a hidden treasure in chicago. great band.
need to give van ghost a listen but its almost unfair to put them up against the deads endless take on not fade away.
what an awesome idea. well done as always, thanks ht.
Do you think Radford is saying it’s unfair they had to go up against North Carolina last night? It’s the first round, matchups are tough.
Love the cover wars but it pains me to see that Keller Williams didn’t make an appearance in the big dance. K-dub pulled into Albany Friday night and wowed as always, touching on both his Grateful Grass and Grunge Grass material as well as a steller “Wind Cries Mary” that sure makes the grade. Maybe he is too obvious a choice?
Mr. Blotto RAWKS the 50 ways cover…chicago’s finest talent!!
Check them out!
MR BLOTTO rules!