It’s time once again to highlight some of the many covers I’ve discovered since the last list. This time we include video game music, more mainstream original songs, a song from one of the worst movies ever made, and even an unexpected TMBG cover (sort of).
Emily Ann Peterson – “Build That Wall (Zia’s Theme)” (originally by Darren Korb, from the game Bastion)
This is definitely my favorite track from Bastion, and this cover really does it justice. Using just vocals and cello, Peterson weaves together six different parts to create this version. Very nicely done!
Benjamin Bear – “Black or White” (originally by Michael Jackson)
B. Bear ably takes on one of Michael Jackson’s many, many hits. It’s not my favorite Michael Jackson song, but the cover is well done.
Professor Shyguy – “Forty Six & 2” (originally by Tool)
I first saw this at Nerdapalooza 2013, which is where the video above comes from. I’m not necessarily a huge fan of Tool, but I do really enjoy everything I’ve heard by them, so hearing Professor Shyguy’s chiptunes cover of one of my favorite Tool songs is just fantastic. You can also download the song from his Bandcamp page for free.
CITO house band – “Hangin’ Out With My Family” (originally by Damien Carter)
I think Birdemic qualifies as geeky, right? And that makes Damien Carter’s song from the movie geeky, too, right? So how about a ten minute live cover version? I have a feeling most of the audience has no idea what the song is, but the band is clearly having a great time with it.
Shael Riley – “Want You Gone” (originally by Jonathan Coulton)
Shael Riley performs the Portal 2 end theme on guitar. What more do I need to say? (Well, OK, maybe I’ll also mention his cover of Lorde’s “Royals” on Soundcloud).
The Runaway Five – “Maneater” (originally by Hall & Oates)
Having discovered The Runaway Five at Nerdapalooza, I had to check out more of their music. This cover of “Maneater” is really good, although the video quality isn’t the best. They also performed “Rosanna” and “Baby Come Back” at the same show. And I’m not quite sure if they used to be a bigger band or what happened since there were only two guys at Nerdapalooza, but it’s all good stuff regardless.
JT Shea – “The Assumption” (originally by George Hrab)
My favorite Geo song covered on ukulele? Yes, please! You’ve also gotta love Geo’s reaction video.
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett – “Shoehorn with Teeth” (originally by They Might Be Giants)
Sure it’s only a few lines from the song, but… Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett singing one of my favorite TMBG songs. Awesome!
Kirby Krackle – “This Fantasy World (Dungeons and Dragons)” (originally by The Doubleclicks) (NSFW)
OK, this was already great with just Kyle and a guitar, but then the ending… Awww, yeah, nerd RAWK!
Robert Downey, Jr. – “Driven to Tears” (originally by The Police)
So Iron Man can sing, I guess. This is from a concert from 2011, but the footage was only recently released. Robert Downey, Jr. joins Sting and his band for a 25th anniversary concert. He sounds pretty good!
