7 Unlikely Covers: Alternative Rock Edition

Rammstein has a new album out and guess who is NOT reviewing it for personal reasons? Yeah, don't want their publicist trying to have me edit my review... Anyways last weeks Unlikely Covers was really popular with the Buzznet Community, and that propelled me to post a new one. This week we will take a look at some Alternative Rock songs that were covered by bands that you wouldn't think would cover it, or songs that you would not think an Alternative Rock band would cover.

This one is going to be a bit longer than the Metal version (but not by too much) so on that note, we cue the music!

1. Sonic Youth - Superstar (The Carpenters)

I will go out on a limb and say that I really love this version. It was featured on the soundtrack for the film Juno. This was also featured on the compilation album that Geffen Records put out entitled "If I Were A Carpenter." However, many people wondered why the hell would some of the most popular Alt-Rock bands of the 90s want to cover The Carpenters? The duo were considered pretty tame for rock standards and fit into a catagory that would fit perfect for the conservative family. Anyways, Like I said this song still rocks!

2. Soul Asylum - Sexual Healing (Marvin Gaye)

Oh yes, the band that was infamous for the 1993 hit Runnaway Train and contributing to any Kevin Smith Jersey Chronicles films decided to cover a Marvin Gaye classic. Not bad, but i'm kind of biased as I am a fan of Marvin Gaye and would rather hear the original.

3.  The Polyphonic Spree - Lithium (Nirvana)

Then there was The Polyphonic Spree. The band (or should I say collective) that would dress up in robes that made them look like if The Partridge Family had joined a religious cult. Anywho, the collective decided to cover a Nirvana classic that made many Nirvana fanatic's heads spin. As of the whereabouts of The Polyphonic Spree? Not sure, I do know they did produce St. Vincent which always rocks!

4. Nirvana - Seasons in the Sun (Terry Jacks)

Speaking of Nirvana, The trio decided to cover song about death (or suicide if you want to go a different direction) which Kurt Cobain himself commited suicided... Ironic much? BTW on this track Kurt plays drums, Dave plays bass and Krist plays guitar.

5. Incubus - Hello (Lionel Richie)

I always thought this song was really really cheesy. Even the video (Lionel's video) was cheesy. However, Incubus who is notorious for covering other peoples songs decided to have a little fun with this... Listen to the lyrics carfully, because you might start laughing.

6. The Flaming Lips and Cat Power - War Pigs (Black Sabbath)

Yes, this should have been on the Metal entry. Yes, I understand it's The Flaming Lips (which are beyond epic) but collaborating with Indie-darling Cat Power is interesting... But The Flaming Lips still kick major ass!

7. William Shatner - Common People (Pulp)

...It's Shatner and Shatner rocks! (He's getting his own Unlikely Covers post in the near future)

Next Week: Smells Like Teen Spirit Covers