By shelz.

There are weeks that could best be described by a symphony of crickets or Ferris Bueller’s homeroom teacher just saying the date over and over again.  In other words, there are seven day spans during which absolutely nothing happens. This, my friends, was not one of those weeks.

Delonte West told a reporter who asked if he smashed the homie’s…mom, that he was raised to never say anything bad about people’s mothers, so the answer is no.  Is that some sort of sideways yes?  Possibly. Next, someone, somewhere said Young Berg was the victim of yet another chain snatching.  Maybe he should just start rocking an African medallion.  He could pass it off as retro chic. There is also the sad, distressing news the G.O.O.D. Fridays are a thing of the past because Mr. West is upset that some songs from his new album were leaked. Then the same folks who posted them ripped them down and said “Yeah Kanye, leaks suck!”  Confusing, right? Anyway we’re going to get into all this beat biting and dope style taking.  Leading the charge are The Roots and John Legend.

“Wake Up” is the song that brought Arcade Fire some much deserved attention.  Spike Jonez used it as the centerpiece for his Where the Wild Things Are sound track and it’s been covered so much, we mentioned another one here. And even though Legend’s delivery is a bit pitchy, this is by far my favorite.  It’s just an amazing song period.

The Roots & John Legend – “Wake Up”

John Legend + the Roots-Wake Up (Arcade Fire Cover)

Next up is Rockapella.  These five fellas have been making a name for themselves without a single instrument.  Get it?  They sing rock… a capella. Anyway,  they decided to try their hand at Vampire Weekend’s “A-Punk” with some rather tame AM channel results.  Yes, this is your parent’s rock.  It’s updated barbershop quartet that should really only be pulled out for special occasions at Seniors Night.

Rockapella – “A-Punk”

Rockapella — A-Punk (Bonus Track)

Moving on we have Neak, YP, Lungz, Fable, Sincerely Yours, Slot-A and JDot Trife over Kanye’s Lord Lord Lord.  I’m not sure who is who and there are brief flashes of talent but there is also a little style stealing here and not just in the form of a borrowed track.  Anyway Chi- Town up, it’s the Lord Lord Lord Remix.

Neak, YP, Lungz, Fable, Sincerely Yours, Slot-A and JDot Trife – “Lord Lord Lord Remix”

Lord Lord Lord Remix

Next is Miike Snow, a Swedish electronic outfit that has hijacked La Roux’s “In For The Kill.” This is a bit skeletal compared to the original.  It’s also slower and darker. This guy singing has some issues with hitting a few of these notes.  Well, okay, he seems to have a problem with most of them, but who expects singers to be able to sing these days?

Miike Snow – “In For the Kill”

Miike Snow – In For The Kill (La Roux Cover)

Corrine Bailey Rae is next with her rendition of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love.”  Yeah, I know.  I thought the same thing, but this is surprisingly enjoyable.  I’m not a huge fan of this girls voice, but turning this song from reggae to sumptuous 60’s soul is brilliant.  However, its the instrumentation and the background vocals that bring this to life.  Ms. Rae could not have done this by herself.

Corinne Bailey Rae – “Is this Love”

Corinne Bailey Rae – Is This Love

We are going to wrap this up today with Bahamadia and a cover that’s almost 15 years old, but its one of my favorites and I’ve been remiss in sharing it with you.  Bahamadia covering Lyte.  “Paper Thin.”  Holla.

Bahamadia – “Paper Thin”

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