Welcome back, readers! If you caught last week’s preview post, you would know to expect a second helping of the uber-American Bruce Springsteen love. The song du jour would be “I’m On Fire” and it comes with several cover sides to choose from, depending on your taste and mood. We’ve got some Southern seasonal Tori Amos, some imported Bat For Lashes and Electrelane from across the pond, and some fresh local Chromatics all the way from Portland. Order whatever you like… just be sure to share with a friend!
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.Bruce Springsteen – “I’m On Fire” (original:1985)
“Only you can cool my desire, oh oh oh I’m on fire.” It seems like every other rock song is about sex, but that doesn’t mean they’re always good songs. “I’m On Fire” is just plain awesome, simple and strong, straightforward and to the point, soothing and powerful. Hands down, this is my favorite song ever written about sexual tension, sexual frustration, and that lustful energy that can sometimes lead to a “bad desire” (see cliché music video, at least for a young Bruce in a jumpsuit). His vocals are so steady and calm, the synthesizer mixed with staccato guitar plucks sound like the ebb and flow of ocean waves, and the wistful lyrics further complement the atmospheric nature of this track. If Springsteen’s guitar-playing-bro-down-session cameo in a lovelorn John Cusack’s bedroom during one of my favorite scenes in High Fidelity weren’t enough, I always wished he was strumming this song while doling out advice to Cusack’s character about why his relationships failed and what he needs to do to get out of his “What does it all mean?” funk. His cameo was not only classic for American cinema, but it reminded the audience that Springsteen is a music hero in his own right and creates songs for the everyman. But listener beware– do not dismiss his music as simplistic because it is far from it. In the case of “I’m On Fire” alone, Springsteen reminds us of paradoxical brilliance in his ability to craft intense yearning in a completely laid-back, almost removed yet still very much there fashion. Bruce can be my Boss anytime because I love, love, love it.
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.Tori Amos (live cover)
Oh Tori Amos, is there ever a classic rock song that you don’t feel the need to cover? With so many live piano renditions of hers on the web I’m a tad shocked she hasn’t put out a zillion covers albums just to organize all the madness. I love the authenticity she delivers in songs because you can hear she means every word and puts every bit of herself in each note. If the aforementioned weren’t impressive enough, she’s still able to maintain the authenticity even when the lyrics aren’t hers. Amos slows down the pace, laces the cover with pretty piano licks, and employs that signature sexy drawl of hers in a way that mirrors Bruce’s preoccupation and incessant desire. Well done Tori, talk about playing secretary to The Boss! I particularly love how she kept the original lyrics “Hey little girl, is your daddy home?” instead of updating it to make it more gender-appropriate. It only makes me dig this version even more.
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Bat For Lashes (live cover)
Someone grab that Mercury Prize and just retroactively give it to Bat For Lashes already. I’ll bat my lashes for singer Natasha Khan any day since I have a little schoolgirl crush on the Brighton-based musician. Upon first listen of her raw vocals it became clear to me that she must read from the same book as personal favorites Fiona Apple and PJ Harvey. As I have a weakness for the dark and the sultry, this stunning cover version did nothing but satisfy my craving. Her moody vocals entrance the listener, the violins are ominous at best, and her keyboard strokes are arousing in an almost quasi-sinister way. She may be on fire, but this rendition makes me hope the fire never burns out.
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.Chromatics (cover)
Alright, before you write me off completely for featuring a synthpop version from the Chromatics at least give it a proper listen first. In a sea of acoustic guitar renditions, I was just trying to find an eclectic batch of cover versions for this week’s feature… and this one isn’t bad at all. On the contrary, this simple cover is just as straighforward as the original and is a completely relaxing listen; in fact, those syncopated beats sound like the tick-tock from a clock and could only help a troubled sleeper get to sleep faster than they can reach for the Nyquil. My only criticism is the lack of intensity that makes the original as incendiary as it is. When lead singer Ruth Radelet sings the climactic verse “At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet, and a freight train running through the middle of my head” I’m quick to say “Oh yeah? That’s cool, but I’m not really buying it.” While Bruce may sound like the one tied to the tracks in his version, the Chromatics are more likely the engineer waving from the train.
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Electrelane (cover)
I love the music in this rendition since it seems British alt-rock outfit Electrelane is the only band with the brainiac idea of speeding up the tempo and plugging their guitars into their amps to make Springsteen’s number a full-on rock song. They keep the synth alive and well yet also manage to infuse an edgier sound that any rock enthusiast can appreciate. But don’t get too excited since this cover doesn’t exactly save the Queen just yet. Perhaps the weakest element in this rendition is the fact that lead singer Verity Susman has got some seriously questionable (and by “questionable” I really mean “annoying as hell”) vocals! While Bruce Springsteen’s soothing voice actually manages to “cool my desire,” Electrelane’s leading lady makes me want to off someone… or at least hit the off button. Whichever happens first.
Bruce Springsteen: website | myspace
You should also be sure to check out the great cover by Kate Tucker. It can be found on her myspace. Amazing version from an amazing artist, whom I’m currently rather obsessed with.
The Electrelane version is pure punk. You’re supposed to feel the way it made you feel, jack.