Images via Triple J
So many to chose from, such a small amount of list space…
‘Like A Version’ sees artists from home and abroad hit the Triple J studios to perform a covers of songs, both big and small, and 2017 provided plenty of goodies. Loads of brave artists turned up for some genre-blending, gut wrenching and truly transcending interpretations of hit songs that we love.
A few tough choices were made, but here is our top Like a Version’s for this year:
Winston Surfshirt – 21 Questions (50 Cent Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdKwwPs6aRE
Good song selection is one of the most important ingredients to any cover, and Sydney’s Winston Surfshirt have chosen the ideal tune to cover. The guys and gals glide effortlessly between the the speedy rapped verses and the crooned choruses of the track made famous by the G-Unit general in 2003. Funky bass lines, a staggering beat and a classy horn arrangement make our pick for best Like a Version of the year an easy one.
Gang of Youths – Blood (The Middle East Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLTO3U5644A
Back in September this year, before they took home a handful of those pointy ARIA trophies, Gang of Youths were in the Triple J studio burning through one of the most heartfelt Like a Versions of all time. With the addition of a string section that takes the sheer weight of the performance to the next level, we can’t help but get a little bit emotional as we watch the Sydney-based’s rendition of the now defunct Middle East’s tune.
Aurora – Teardrop (Massive Attack Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPTY6l_PX5k
Easily the most hauntingly powerful Like a Version of the year, Norwegian born Aurora’s reproduction of the iconic Massive Attack track (check the original video if you’re not familiar with it) has attracted a huge number of views. This cover is especially cool considering the enormity of the sounds pulled only from one vocal, keyboard, guitar and a cajon which would surely impress the most stubborn of Massive Attack fan.
Julia Jacklin – Someday (The Strokes Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhSzpJOestE
This version is so good that it feels like it was Jacklin who originally wrote the tune. She brings a country twang and a lot of warmth to the song that you’d probably never have thought would be possible from the gritty distorted vocals of The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas. Pour yourself a glass o’ lemonade, sit under a shady tree and sway along to this one.
Kim Churchill – I Wanna Make It Wit Chu (Queens of the Stone Age Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvWb_MZ4KCQ
As massive fans of the original version of this song, it was always gonna take something special to impress us with a cover, and Kim Churchill has delivered just that. Complete with a shredding classical guitar solo (never thought I’d see those words next to each other) and some serious facial expressions, Churchill and co over a slick alternative to the classic QOTSA tune.
