We previosuly mentioned a few weeks back that indie pop rockers Cults had added an unusual cover to their setlist. The stark “Everybody Knows” by Leonard Cohen is much darker than the band’s usual brand of twee innocence, yet it sounded very natural to them when they performed it in front of an audience that luckily had a least one person capturing it on their iPhone.
It would seem that adding the song to their live performances was in preparation for its use in “Old Ideas with New Friends,” a project curated by Columbia Records that is showcasing new artists covering Cohen’s songs live in the studio. The project is in promotion of Cohen’s new album, “Old Ideas,” released on Columbia this past Tuesday.
In addition to Cults, there is also a clip available of Cold War Kids covering “There is a War,” transforming the song from a folk protest song into their own brand of danceable indie rock. Greg Dulli of Afghan Whigs likewise gives an emotional reinterpretation with “Paper Thin Hotel,” accompanied by harmonium and a soaring violin part.
Covers by Deerhunter and New Pronographers’ A.C. Newman will follow shortly. With any luck, this roster of artists may even have enough tact to not cover “Hallelujah.”
Check out Cults’ and Cold War Kids’ covers below, and if you’re looking for a great Leonard Cohen covers album, do get yourself a copy of the 1991 compilation, “I’m Your Fan” which features the Pixies, John Cale, and R.E.M., to name a few.
Cults – “Everybody Knows”
Cults “Everybody Knows” from Columbia Records on Vimeo.
Cold War Kids – “There is a War”
Cold War Kids “There Is A War” from Columbia Records on Vimeo.
Greg Dulli – “Paper Thin Hotel”
Greg Dulli “Paper Thin Hotel” from Columbia Records on Vimeo.
May 18, 2012 at 2:31 pm, David Wissbroecker said:
Check out these Leonard Cohen covers by The Cults, Afghan Whigs and Cold War Kids.