I'm a sucker for a good cover. In fact, I think cover songs are essential to the progression of music. Artists need to keep showcasing songs from the past to new generations. Not only does it encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone and listen to a band they might never be inclined to listen to, but it also gives us the opportunity to hear bands we just may have never heard of. How do you think I heard of the Meat Puppets, or Lou Reed or Tom Waits (to name a few). Without Nirvana's 'Unplugged in New York', The Cowboy Junkie's version of "Sweet Jane' or Bruce Springstein's "Jersey Girl" I might have missed out on some serious classics. So when I go to shows and hear any attempt at a cover, I'm pumped. Without a little help from fellow Canadian Dan Mangan last November, my unfortunate oversight of a little band called Neutral Milk Hotel could have gone on forever. Mangan's cover of In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is potentially the best cover I've heard live, and I've heard my share of pretty dang good covers. It is also now one of my all time favourite songs. I actually feel a little silly - claiming to be in the know about this music thing and not knowing about Jeff Mangum and Neutral Milk Hotel until a year ago. I mean who has never heard the song In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - let alone the whole album...but I digress...
Anyway, I'm posting a video from the show that I found on Youtube by TheMatthugh. It's not a great video, but it sounds absolutely beautiful. Enjoy. And give Dan Mangan a listen if you haven't already!
