COVER WARS 2: BRUCE VS. THE STONES (Round Four)

In the fourth gonzo round, I’m just gonna slam you with a bunch.

The Last Time [The Rolling Stones]-Gomez
vs.
I’m On Fire-Carbon Leaf

Winner: Bruce. If you download just one song today, make it Carbon Leaf’s cover of I’m On Fire. It’s awesome.

No Surrender-One Reason
vs.
Shake Your Hips-Joe Strummer and the 101s

Two punk versions. I love Joe, but this is early in his career so I don’t feel bad giving it to One Reason here. It’s not a great cover, but they show how the source material can really be stretched. Score two for Bruce.

The River-Josh Ritter
vs.
Cross Bones Style/I Can’t Get No Satisfaction (Rolling Stones)-Cat Power

The Josh Ritter cover is ubiquitous, but is it extraordinary? No. Cat’s is both–she truly makes the song her own, and shows that it plays just as well when a gal does it. Stones get their first point of the day.

Dancing In The Dark-Ted Leo
vs.
Divorce Song/Emotional Rescue-Liz Phair

And who can go up against this fantastic Ted Leo cover? None other than Liz Phair. And she crushes him. Plus, if she wins I get to post a pic of her.

Score now tied, two to two.

Today’s tiebreaker:

Dancing in the Dark-The Thrills and Mike Mills of REM
vs.
Jumping Jack Flash-The La’s

Two bands not known for covers in poor quality boots. I’m giving it to The La’s, but just barely.

The Stones pull it out and win the fourth post!