28 November 2021 - The Polyphonic Spree - Don't Change

I love it when a band that covers a song TRULY understands the original essence of the song - and makes it their own.  

Such is the Polyphonic Spree, who released their version of this INXS classic as a single earlier this year.  Adding horns and strings and giving it a more orchestral sounds serves to make it a bigger, grander song.  

28 November 2021 - Bruce Springsteen - Don't Change

Bruce Springsteen performing this INXS anthem with added horns and his deep growl in Sydney is a fitting tribute to Michael Hutchence and his legacy.  It is almost desperate in its execution, and still beautiful. 

28 November 2021 - Limp Bizkit - Don't Change

When I heard this cover existed, I expected "Don't Change Your Nookie".

What I GOT was Fred Durst and a guitar, with minimal accompanyment, passionately singing the hell out of this song, doing INXS and Michael Hutchence proud.  It's beautifully arranged and meticulously performed.   

19 November 2021 - k-os - Just What I Needed

In what is the second least expected cover* of the year, the "Crabbuckit" guy did a cover of what is arguable the best known song by The Cars.  Adding some hip hop in for good measure, it is mostly a straight forward, yet fun cover by the Toronto native.  

And clearly, he doesn't mind you coming here and wasting all his time.  

* it still isn't as expected as The Wiggles covering Tame Impala

11 November 2021 - Ryan Adams - Wildest Dreams

My former co-author Scott would be proud.  You see, I'm discovering that Taylor Swift isn't actually a bad lyricist.  Ryan Adams brings a folkier feel to her most iconic album, 1989.  "Wildest Dreams" is one of her better known songs and, in fact, my favorite of hers - it was briliantly and heartbreakingly executed in its original form, and briliantly covered and given a melancholy gender swap in this form.