This is what I mean about cover songs. Covers are best when a band takes another band's song and uses it to say something new. So it's the same song, but it's not. It recalls the source material, doesn't mimic it. It's the difference between photocopying a famous painting and painting that same painting using your own brushes and paint. There's depth in the latter, there's feeling, there's passion.
That being said, I really, really dig this Rogue Wave cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps." It comes from Sweetheart, the same Starbucks compilation album that also features A.C. Newman's take on "Take on Me." It's "Maps," certainly, but it's Rogue Waves' "Maps." It is distinct, but in a way that honors the original (instead of mocking or destroying or carbon-copying it). It's the kind of cover that someone could like more the original because it is its own song. Its own gorgeous song.
It makes me feel like I'm lying outside under the stars.
"Maps" is actually an oft-covered song. It makes sense. It's a simple song, with a beautiful and memorable melody. Honestly, I have yet to come across a bad version. Notably, Arcade Fire does a passionately earnest version, and Ted Leo uses it as the bridge to his cover of "Since U Been Gone" giving it an epic urgency.
Also, when I happen to sing the song as a member of one of my Rock Band bands, the vocals are a breathtaking combination of strength and vulnerability that have brought a crowded room to the brink of tears. Not to brag or anything.
Last night the J. Crew's poster boys visited Jimmy Fallon and gave him "White Sky." And they brought a lot of friends with them.
I think they're trying to join Broken Social Scene and Arcade Fire in the who-can-fit-the-most-musicians-on-a-stage contest.
but about the song....
It's light, it's fun, it's summery. It's everything you'd expect from VW. But boring. I haven't totally given up on the song however. According to Stereogum's commenters, the song is much more upbeat live. Fingers-crossed for the studio version.
But the funniest thing about this video is the performance. Ezra looks totally awkward without his guitar and trying to dance around. And then mr. too-cool-for-school drummer chose to play only two of his drums. I can imagine how the band conversation went....
SCENE: A post-rehearsal Vampire Weekend is chilling in Jimmy Fallon's green room. Keyboardist/guitarist ROSTAM is periodically picking at his guitar and jotting down notes, presumably writing a song. Drummer CHRISTOPHER is flipping through Harper's. Bassist CHRIS is asleep on the couch. Vocalist/guitarist EZRA enters.
EZRA: I don't feel like playing the guitar tonight.
ROSTAM: Ezra, come on, we've talked about this...
EZRA: No seriously, there's going to be a string section. It'll be fine.
CHRISTOPHER: If he's not playing, I'm not playing.
ROSTAM: What? NO! You have to play.
CHRISTOPHER: But that's what the back-up drummer is for.
ROSTAM: This is for tv! You don't want to be on tv?
CHRISTOPHER: Fine, but i'm only playing 1 drum. And I wanna stand in the front.
EZRA: As long as he doesn't get in my dance space.
CHRISTOPHER: Oh, you lose the guitar and suddenly you're Rick Astley, huh?
EZRA: I will slap those wayfarers right off your face!
CHRISTOPHER: Bring it on, madras boy! Be sure to push up your sleeves first!
ROSTAM: Stop! Just stop! Ezra, I will play the guitar for you, as long as you let Christopher stand up front with the rest of us. And Christopher, you have to play at least 2 drums. ok?
EZRA: Fiiiine.
CHRISTOPHER: I'm leaving the wayfarers on.
ROSTAM: fine.
EZRA: fine!
CHRISTOPHER: FINE!
CHRIS: Would you guys shut up? I'm trying to nap.
CHRISTOPHER: Oh hey Chris. I thought you'd gone to get us that mini-fridge.
CHRIS: uh....
EZRA: yeah, any update on the mini-fridge thing. We could really use one in here.
ROSTAM: Chris, go back to sleep. We'll wake you before we go on.
CHRIS: whatever...
End Scene.
They should really work on that whole inter-band-tension thing. Also, bonus points to anyone who gets the Guitar Hero 2 reference!
