Radiohead and cover versions

radioheadI wish Damien had told me about this a couple of weeks ago. I’ll be talking about Radiohead, covers of their songs and what qualifies as reinterpretation on this Sunday’s Interpretations. Specifically, I was asked to look at different approaches to covering or reworking ‘Exit Music for a film’ from Ok Computer. It was pre-recorded so I won’t get to mention reggae dudes Easy Star. They have their own take on the song as do The Cinematic Orchestra, Brad Mehldau and Christopher O’Riley, who has covered tons of Radiohead (most of it not that well, it has to be said). By far the best versions are by Scala, a 60 strong Belgian girl’s choir who do a stunning version of EMFAF, as well as one of ‘Creep’. Not only have they covered Radiohead, other bands include The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Serge Gainsbourg, U2, Air, Depeche Mode, Heather Nova, Nine Inch Nails, Manu Chao and The Police, to name just a few. You can have a listen on their myspace page.

Interpretations is on RTE Radio 1 this Sunday at 9.45pm (when I’ll hopefully be watching Halfset playing at the Leechrum festival in Drumshanbo).

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8 Responses to “Radiohead and cover versions”

  1. Damien Mulley Says:

    I also have some school percussion group do “Paranoid Android”. It’s utterly fantastic.

  2. Sinead Says:

    Is that these guys? Someone sent me a link to them doing a fantastic version of Sufjan’s ‘Chicago’?

  3. copernicus Says:

    Whatever happened to Rodeohead?

  4. Sinead Says:

    I think they’re “between labels” at the moment but apparently there’s a new album on the horizon.

    And they’re playing Marley Park this month with Beck.

  5. Damien Mulley Says:

    This crowd: http://www.umassdrumline.org

    Song is here: http://people.umass.edu/tjkelly/umdl/audio/android.mp3

    That Sufjan cover is brilliant.

  6. Sinead Says:

    Damien, I love that!
    Also found those Sufjan guys (The Carleton Singing Knights)
    doing Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’, which is wonderfully odd.

  7. mish Says:

    did you see that new Exit music radiohead covers album sinead? (oh and re Marley Park - don’t forget Deerhoof!)

  8. dealga Says:

    I have that Scala cover of Creep. It’s wonderful.

    If you’re wondering why Thom storms off stage mid-set at the Marlay Park gig it’ll be because I’ll be the one up front shouting “Oi! Yorke! No new crap - play Creep!!”

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