What, two lists of covers so close together? How is this possible? Actually, that’s pretty easy — I’ve been accumulating these for months. And coincidentally, there were 11 videos in the 11th list and 12 in this 12th list. What are the odds?
2d6 & Bunderthird – “Sex Person” (originally by The Grammar Club) (NSFW)
A perfect cover for 2d6. It’s exactly as good as you’d hope it would be.
“Weird Al” Yankovic – “What Is Life?” (originally by George Harrison)
Despite Al’s ridiculous antics on stage (which are, of course, great), this cover stays quite true to the original. It’s really well done, and a testament to Al’s musical abilities.
Foxes – “Don’t Stop Me Now” (originally by Queen)
So now I will have two genre-based associations with this song: Shaun of the Dead and Doctor Who. I’m perfectly OK with that.
Ben Folds with the Tasmania Symphony Orchestra – “Map of Tasmania” (originally by Amanda Palmer) (probably NSFW)
Yup, that really happened. If you’re not familiar with the original song, you might want to check it out first because the lyrics are a bit difficult to hear on this version. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.
Marc with a C – “Ennui (On We Go)” (originally by The Doubleclicks)
One of my favorite Doubleclicks songs as performed by one of my favorite musicians. It’s even better than you’d expect.
Nuclear Bubble Wrap – “Video Game Books” (originally by Hank Green)
I actually discovered this song about The Fault in Our Stars (I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried when I read the book) via this cover, and Hank’s original is also great. Be sure to check out Jace’s cover of Hank’s “Mother Pheasant Plucker” as well.
Dr. Noise – “We Are Young” (originally by fun.)
Speaking of Hank Green, his wife, Katherine, joins Dr. Noise for this really awesome cover. I’d never really paid attention to the lyrics before this. It’s not really what I’d expected from the chorus, although it fits. Great video, too.
Professor Shyguy – “Johnny B. Goode” (originally by Chuck Berry)
I’ve already mentioned the EP this comes from, but this live performance is so good I felt the need to include it here. Besides, it’s Professor Shyguy, so I don’t really need an excuse.
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman – “The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side” (originally by The Magnetic Fields)
I had the privilege of seeing this performance, part of the Valentine’s Day Heartbreak Hotel show in Tampa, although this is not my video. Major kudos to Brett Culp, who did an amazing job of filming it. The whole performance is well worth watching as well; I’m so glad I finally got to see them together live.
The Runaway Five – “Detroit Rock City” (originally by KISS)
Boy, I sure hope this means that we’ll be hearing more from The Runaway Five soon. I’m really looking forward to their new album! At least there’s this rockin’ cover to tide me over till then.
TheFifthSister – “A Shot at Love” (originally by Claire and the Potatoes)
A very cool solo acoustic version of this rather dark tune. Once again Lauren nails it. Nicely done!
Uclairelele – “Clever Girl” (originally by The Doubleclicks)
The most adorable cover of this song you’ll ever see.
