What's With The All The Covers Albums?


What is going on with all the covers albums? Is Rod Stewart to blame. This trend really seemed to take off when Stewart delivered The Great American Songbook Series to masses of baby boomers eager to hear mellow classics from a one-time rocker. Now we have entries from Rick Springfield, Carly Simon and Michael McDonald. Erasure even got in on the act with the shamelessly titled Other People's Songs.

I'm not sure what disturbs me the most - the fact so many artists are choosing the remake route or that I actually like some of these albums. Many singers and musicians can breathe new life into classics. And likewise, these classics can breathe new life into stalled, failing or forgotten careers. At the same time, it is almost sacrilegious to take on the Motown catalog or eighties classics.

Now, let's just hope this trend doesn't carry over to shows a la Clay Aiken and his Jukebox Summer Tour 2005. The American Idol will play songs from the 50s through today because he "thought it would be cool to sing a bunch of covers and relate to everybody." And while this formula is successful, I'd rather "relate" to a band or singer based on the feelings I have and connections I made based on their original music.

Still, I think this is going to be a lasting trend. Most of the remake albums are selling very well. The Clay Aiken tour is apparently doing good business. Most people, it seems, aren't bothered by the Nick At Nite approach to music.

For the record, I own many of the previously mentioned titles. And I will admit that Michael McDonald's Motown and Rick Springfield's The Day After Yesterday really holds my attention. I'm yet to have a Rod Stewart breakthrough, though. Sorry.

Posted: Mon - July 18, 2005 at 12:38 AM      

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