Before the Goldrush

I love covers. I've never denied it. I would rather hear an album of someone singing other people's songs than originals of their own. Does it discredit my true taste in music? Maybe. Does it mean I don't covet originality? I don't know. Does it mean I'm not a true fan? Hell no.

While strolling through our much more sophisticated, probably hangs out with a lot cooler people, more attractive, smokes pot without coughing, most likely to succeed cousin-like site, "Fuel Friends," I stumbled upon an entry concerning the album "Before the Goldrush." This was created to benefit the Teach for America program that I had heard about through a couple of different people. Mostly I was attracted to it because it featured 26 songs (all covers) from artists such as Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and Van Morrison. Moreover, there was actually a decently recorded version of The Swell Season doing "Into the Mystic." And it was only $9.99!


Once purchased, I was immediately engulfed by some great indie acts, great original takes on the classic songs, and a song entitled "Bowling Green" by Neko Case. And yes, it's that Bowling Green. The one I always claimed I would move back to tomorrow if given the opportunity. Check it out. How did we miss this song during college?!!


Other highlights include Jim Boggia taking a very original twist on the Beatles' "Girl" (if you're not familiar, think of the opening scene from "Across the Universe"), Alicia Wiley covering a song called "Little Green," Nels Andrews slowly nailing "I Hope I Don't Fall in Love with You," and William Fitzsimmons covering my favorite James Taylor song of all time "You Can Close Your Eyes." Also, Louisville native Rebecca Elliot records "You're My Home" that sounds like it could've ended any Pacey/Joey episode from "Dawson's Creek." Like it or not, I always applaud that.

The bottom line is this: It's for a great cause and it's $9.99 for 26 songs. Sounds like a good bargain to me.