Acoustic covers of pop songs

Tim Robbins

Hi,
Anybody know of any CDs that have acoustic cover versions of pop songs?
You can find the odd one trawling and trawling on myspace and youtube but just wondering if there were any better sources.
The artists doing the cover don't have to be well known.
Thanks a million.

sceptre

The two that come to mind as compilations are the Live Lounge series (three releases so far plus the Radio 1: Established 1967 collection) and the Like A Version series (similar idea from Australia, also three releases)

I rather like cover versions so I've a pile of cover albums ranging from single artist efforts to "album tributes" to the kind of thing above. None of them tagged as covers though (using WMP10 to play stuff and it only takes the first ID3 genre tag) so they can get lost on me from time to time.

While the two sets of collections above aren't "true" acoustic cover albums they're as close as you'll get really, the Live Lounge series is well known over here, while I like the first two Like A Version collections far more than the third.

Oh, if by any chance you're into Crowded house, get a copy of "She Will Have Her Way", it's a nice collection of CH covers, all done by female artists. Not very "pop" though. For kicks and giggles, you could get your hands on Paul Anka's "Rock Swings", you'll either love it or hate it. Hardcore Nirvana fans tend to hate it. Additionally, look up Scala & Kolacny Brothers. Belgian girls choir, lots of cover versions, nice and calming:) They also do a dinky version of "I touch myself", which I've frequently taken delight in playing on student radio.

Tim Robbins

sceptre wrote: »

The two that come to mind as compilations are the Live Lounge series (three releases so far plus the Radio 1: Established 1967 collection) and the Like A Version series (similar idea from Australia, also three releases)

I rather like cover versions so I've a pile of cover albums ranging from single artist efforts to "album tributes" to the kind of thing above. None of them tagged as covers though (using WMP10 to play stuff and it only takes the first ID3 genre tag) so they can get lost on me from time to time.

While the two sets of collections above aren't "true" acoustic cover albums they're as close as you'll get really, the Live Lounge series is well known over here, while I like the first two Like A Version collections far more than the third.

Oh, if by any chance you're into Crowded house, get a copy of "She Will Have Her Way", it's a nice collection of CH covers, all done by female artists. Not very "pop" though. For kicks and giggles, you could get your hands on Paul Anka's "Rock Swings", you'll either love it or hate it. Hardcore Nirvana fans tend to hate it. Additionally, look up Scala & Kolacny Brothers. Belgian girls choir, lots of cover versions, nice and calming:) They also do a dinky version of "I touch myself", which I've frequently taken delight in playing on student radio.

A superb post. It's for a wedding. Background pre - dinner music.

grumpytrousers

or there's this...

http://www.todayfmstore.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2057

ray darcy used get people in to do covers of pop songs. I have both, and if i'm honest, haven't listened to them an awful lot (too 'worthy' and 'earnest') in a way, but somebody does a great version of 'Breathe' by Blu Cantrell on one of 'em

sceptre

grumpytrousers wrote: »

but somebody does a great version of 'Breathe' by Blu Cantrell on one of 'em

Roesy.

I completely forgot about "Even better Than The Real Thing". Some good stuff in there. TBH I haven't listened to it an awful lot either. The Ray D'Arcy stuff is likely to be a lot better known so if you want to be a clever clogs you might want to stay away from it. Then again, apparently at weddings they all look at the bride's dress and wedding cake anyway.

ErinGoBrath

sceptre wrote: »

Roesy.

I completely forgot about "Even better Than The Real Thing".

They've release an "Even better Than The Disco" album. Acoustic covers of Disco classics. Highly recommended!

I'm a sucker for acoustic covers!

Xavi6

As a once off recording, Travis' version of 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' is flawless. It's a B-side to one of their singles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acULghgYUg0

grumpytrousers

also - if you can find it - there's a lovely version of Be My Baby done by The Lightning Seeds. I think it's on a best of, it was a b-side originally, but if this is a christmas wedding, it's got the requisite bells on it to make it all snowy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC1bwC594bg

sceptre

grumpytrousers wrote: »

also - if you can find it - there's a lovely version of Be My Baby done by The Lightning Seeds. I think it's on a best of, it was a b-side originally, but if this is a christmas wedding, it's got the requisite bells on it to make it all snowy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC1bwC594bg

Checking, it's on 2006's Very best of the Lightning Seeds. Thanks for that, never actually listened to it before, it's nice.

humberklog

You could also look out for a band called Nouvelle Vague. Their cd's are easily available and have a look on you tube first to see if they're suitable. 2 full albums of covers in acoustic with a bossa nova twist

Wertz

Or inject some more energy into the proceedings by bringing a 'Me First & The Gimme Gimmes' album along...might work better at the reception though.

Earthhorse

Can't recommend any CDs to you but my favourite acoustic cover if this nature has got to be Mat Weddle's take on Hey Ya:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-8nkkOA_AM

This is also good:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naiYu9KtA4I

ronnie3585

Chris Cornell does a pretty sweet cover of Billie Jean;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2MgwAJrfXo

His cover of Zep's Thank You is sublime.

seanybiker

glen hansard does an excellent version of cry me a river. Bloody love that version.

Lollerskater

Earthhorse wrote: »

Can't recommend any CDs to you but my favourite acoustic cover if this nature has got to be Mat Weddle's take on Hey Ya:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-8nkkOA_AM

One of my favourite acoustic covers.

But like a lot of the others said, Live Lounge is pretty good.

Fallen Buckshot

Richard cheese Does some good stuff (altho abit goofy sometimes) and also if you like yer pop music with a Spanish twist try Rhythms del Mundo they do coldplay u2 and the likes

Dubliner28

Kurt Cobain- The man who sold the world. MTV Unplugged.

World Class

J.S. Pill

I GuanYin wrote: »

As a once off recording, Travis' version of 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' is flawless. It's a B-side to one of their singles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acULghgYUg0

So was it Travis that thought of this first? bastards, how many times has this been played by some tosser at an open mic session or a house party? Not cool. May have been cool for about 5 minutes but not cool anymore.

Tim Robbins

Fallen Buckshot wrote: »

Richard cheese Does some good stuff (altho abit goofy sometimes) and also if you like yer pop music with a Spanish twist try Rhythms del Mundo they do coldplay u2 and the likes

I have three Richard Cheese albums not bad alright!