[New Column] Sounds Familiar: Week 1

October 9th, 2012

Julia McAlpine

Continuing our expansion of original content, Under The Gun Review presents its latest column, Sounds Familiar, dedicated to trawling the world and web for the latest remixes, redos, and reminiscent bits that our newest columnist Julia McAlpine finds appealing. Be prepared for some diversity in your music library. The songs may not be new, but they will be different and worth a spin.

If you have a remix or cover that you would like to see featured here, let us know! Write utgjacob@gmail.com with the subject “Sounds Familiar” and we’ll take a listen!

Benjamin Francis Leftwich – “Swim Until You Can’t See Land” (Frightened Rabbit Cover)

When I heard my UK home-lad Benjamin Francis Leftwich was covering a hit by my beloved Frightened Rabbits, I knew this track was destined to rock my indie folk world. Leftwich slows down the tune to give it a thoughtful twist, causing me to truly contemplate the lyrics and fall in love with the song all over again. And even though I’m a sucker for a thick Scottish accent, I might actually like Leftwich’s rendition better.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/59483663″ iframe=”true” /]

Frank Wiedemann and Ry Cuming – “Howling” (Ame Remix)

This track is the perfect autumnal driving tune (‘cause that’s a thing). It has a certain spookiness to it, as well as that slightly emo quality appropriate for pumpkin carving season. This track builds nicely, starting with eerie instrumentals, and gradually adding haunting vocals and a beat that brings back memories of The Postal Service (speaking of autumnal driving music). The lyrics complement the peculiar, seductive feel of the track with talk of spells, flesh, and as the track title would suggest, howling.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/59819947″ iframe=”true” /]

Tennis – “Petition” (Vacationer Remix)

Tennis and Vacationer? You simply can’t go wrong with a combo like this. While this track has been out all summer, I can’t seem to tire of it. In fact, I called my Alma Mater’s radio station to request this little ditty in a moment of post-grad life desperation, and I swear this song puts stress on hold (play on repeat for full effect). With Tennis’ sugary vocals and Vacationer’s chill instrumental branding, this track has the perfect poppy, retro vibe.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/49488244″ iframe=”true” /]

Mumford & Sons – “The Boxer” (Simon & Garfunkel Cover)

This cover may as well get a mention while we’re all still high on the new Mumford & Sons album (oh, the emotions! HE WILL WAIT FOR YOU). Of course, Marcus Mumford has given this Simon & Garfunkel song his usual banjo twang and signature soulful belting. While “The Boxer” isn’t usually a song I’d listen to, this version strays enough from the original to make it fresh again. I hope this Mumfordizing of classic songs becomes a regular thing!
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/48246613″ iframe=”true” /]

Atlas Genius – “Trojans” (Lenno Remix)

As much as I love autumn, there’s something about summer I’m not ready to part with. Luckily, the Atlas Genius hit, Trojans, is being remixed again and again, giving me an excuse to listen to it ad nauseam. The Lenno remix stands out with its retro house feel (in other words, lots of eighties-inspired synthesizing). Instead of enhancing the track with a simple beat, the Lenno remix creates a song that seems independent of the original track. Maybe it’s just me, but the new twist makes the irony of the song more readily apparent – it’s hard to realize it’s a post-breakup song with the Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” feel of the original.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/58699585″ iframe=”true” /]

Bon Iver – “Woods” (Zeds Dead Remix)

When I first heard about this remix, I may have audibly giggled. I love Bon Iver, and I love Zeds Dead, but they’re like those friends you never introduce to each other because you just know they won’t get along. But I was wrong; Bon Iver and Zeds Dead have chemistry. Mix a little 8-bit and dubstep with a some auto-tuned, Kanye’d out Justin Vernon, and voilà! A whole musical subculture will now know it’s not “Bonny Bear.”
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/61336686″ iframe=”true” /]

That’s it for this week! Julia is off to eat her weight in pumpkin bread because yes.