Posts Tagged ‘Covers’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Opening her debut performance at Radio City with Dark Side, Kelly Clarkson stood behind a sheer curtain that flashed a negative light of images and words — all tabloid fodder surrounding her professional career and personal life. The one word in particular that stood out the most, in bold red letters, was the word FAT. It was a touching moment to open the show in such a vulnerable way, in a way that most certainly fits the theme of Dark Side – a way that has lead everyone in the audience to feel connected to her, to cheer her on with a force to be reckoned with. Kelly Clarkson not only represents the girl next door who can rip a song a new one, she also represents a piece of all of us — that part of us that’s human and f*cking normal and real. This is why we, as fans, and as people, love and cling to Kelly Clarkson.

To keep it brief, after the show I updated my personal Facebook with this:

“On a high from Kelly Clarkson’s show. She was bloody amazing! I especially loved her cover of Florence + The Machine’s ‘Heavy In Your Arms’ — goosebumps! Vocally the best show I’ve seen in quite some time. Oh yeah, and Fancy herself (Reba McEntire) was in the audience. I will definitely be seeing her again. Unf*ckingbelievable!”

That pretty much sums up the show, except I did leave out the fact that besides her huge pop records, she also performed a cover of Etta James’ hit I’d Rather Go Blind (as a tribute to the iconic singer’s recent passing), and a wonderful rendition of My Man, taken from the huge Broadway favorite Funny Girl.

But since Kelly’s ballads have always hit home runs in my eyes, those particular numbers stole the show in my opinion. Below you will find an acoustic, stripped-down version of the angst-ridden Never Again, the beautiful rendition of Florence + The Machine’s Heavy In Your Arms, and a lovely ballad that Kelly wrote to help the children of Africa entitled You Still Won’t Know What It’s Like.

Get ready to feel your heart skip a beat.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Last night on the subway, I sat across from an elderly homeless woman who spoke only Spanish. She had on flip flops with old socks, a thin dirty dress and several t-shirts with holes. Her legs were something awful because of the cold and living conditions she’s had to endure. Every other stop she would raise her head from slumber to ask for pesos. It actually made me tear up. I guess because seeing this really put Christmas into perspective. Everyone around her was so busy with their shopping bags and iPods and comfortable lives.

This is just a note to remind you that the magic of Christmas has nothing to do with wrapping paper or bows. And the next time you complain when you get a pack of socks for Christmas, remember that some would consider that gold.

(BTW, beware… cuteness coma ahead!)

[Related Post: It's Time We Shift Our Focus]

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

If you follow this blog, you will see Florence + the Machine (and Drake) on a consistent basis. They’re just that damn good. Once again, they’ve gone and outdone themselves. At BBC Radio One’s Live Lounge, the band broke out with a cover of Take Care by Drake featuring Rihanna. I was a fan of this track before, but now, it’s an absolute love affair.

Check it out for yourself.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”

-THE GZA, Wu-Tang Clan

This picture was snapped with my iPhone in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. From a distance, the first thing that caught my eye was Gaga’s overexposed horn-face. But then I looked closer…

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought this photo would stand the test of saying something heartfelt and lasting; something powerful.

It’s time we all give a little more. Be a little more. Feel a little more.

Count your blessings while your stuffing your face with pumpkin pie. And remember that not everyone has the option.

Real talk.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Seriously, Jay-Z? SMDH!

“Jay-Z, as talented as he is, has the political sensibility of a hood rat and is a scrotum. To attempt to profit off of the first important social moment of 50 years with an overpriced piece of cotton is an insult to the fight for economic civil rights known as #occupywallstreet.”

-GRIM / Occupy Wall Street Leader

[On Jay-Z profiting from Rocawear's OWS t-shirts, in which the rapper donated zero percent of the proceeds to the cause]

BTW, the video below is jawesome.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I have not known anyone personally that has committed suicide because of their sexuality. But the stories from fans always make me appreciate and love what I do even more and drive me at the end of the day, because I feel like to touch someone through my music is the ultimate thing for me, especially if I’ve written it. I’ve had many people say, “I was thinking about committing suicide and your song came on the radio and I just decided not to do it, that life was worth living.” It’s unfathomable to, I guess, really understand the impact I’ve had on some people’s lives. It does affect me. It deeply, deeply affects me. Obviously you can tell by that performance.”

–LeAnn Rimes
[In the new Pridesource]

[Related Post: LeAnn Rimes Beautifully Covers Adele]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Sorry, guys. Excuse me while I get a little ADHD…

This made me laugh so I thought it might do the same for you!

Oh! And BTW, WTH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

The second video just felt random and appropriate. Duh.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Horrors recently hit up BBC Radio 1, covering Beyonce’s Best Thing I Never Had. The arrangement mixed with frontman Faris Badwan’s vocals sends the breakup anthem into a disheveled indie rock state of mind.

It’s random, bizarre and unexpected, and that’s what makes it so cool.

I dig.

The Horrors – Best Thing I Never Had (Beyonce cover) by the3penguins

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Foster the People aren’t the only ones getting their kicks pumped. Weezer has recently been covering Pumped Up Kicks on tour, and it’s worth sharing with the world. As if the stratosphere of their instantaneous success wasn’t cool enough, the most tangible proof of their certifiable fame comes in the form of the ultimate authentication: being covered by one of the world’s most famous rock bands.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ira Perez is one heck of a one woman show. Her voice is jazz, candlelight dinners, quiet secrets, smoky nightclubs. Another element of YouTube that makes me stop scorning the internet for a millisecond. She’s real talent, and I bless cyberspace for making her known to me.

Glad to say her talent has not gone unnoticed. She’s been picked up by a legit indie label and won the Houston Press award for Best Female Vocals in 2010. Her album is on the way, and for now she’s honouring our ears with original pieces and sundering covers.

One such cover is her rendition of Bruno Mars’ Grenade. Her low-key crooning makes the concoction all the more pensive, sensitive.

She’d catch a grenade for ya. Would you do the same?
　

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I’ve seen people where it rules their lives, who want to be thinner or have bigger boobs, and how it wears them down…I have insecurities, of course, but I don’t hang out with anyone who points them out to me.”

–Adele on body image
[Taken from this month's issue of Vogue UK]

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Sometimes original isn’t so cool. So why not try something fresh? Rock posse Puddle of Mudd has been on the road promoting their new CD compacted of re-done classics entitled Re:(Disc)overed. The captivating part of this record is they stay completely true to the original songs yet add a distinct, funky twist to make each their own. Trust me, I’m not sitting here saying this is the best thing Puddle of Mudd has ever done nor anything close to it (I do not think that was the purpose of this release), but regardless, it’s fun to watch bands go off in different directions, showing off their musical makeup.

Here you can find tracks from Led Zeppelin, The Steve Miller Band, The Beatles, and many more. After all, these are the classic rock songs/bands that are accountable for making Puddle of Mudd want to become musicians in the first place. They have taken the songs and covered them in a way only they could, bringing them newfangled life while wholly respecting their original prodigy. In some words of their own: “It wasn’t our plan to do an album of cover tunes. We were on a bit of a break, during which time some touring offers came in. We didn’t want to go out there without something new, and one day the idea of a covers album came up, and the whole thing seemed very exciting.”

I just saw them live on the road, and indeed, their idea was legit, with an incredible expanded lineup any Puddle of Mudd fan would appreciate. Pick up a copy now and sing along.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Open up the latest US Weekly (or any gossip rag for that matter) and chances are you’ll see a picture of LeAnn Rimes with a neon caption discussing her current relationship or arrows pointing to her “disappearing” bikini frame.

But, what you won’t see as often is praise for her voice — a voice that’s always been golden, a voice that lately has somehow gotten lost in the mix of tabloid fodder.

Let’s flip the switch, shall we?

LeAnn recently performed a cover of Adele’s Someone Like You, and as you can imagine, it’s a stunning rendition.

Also note that Rimes has released a new heartfelt single entitled Give.

In her own words: “‘Give’ is a powerful song with a message that I believe needs to be shared with the world, especially in these times of today. I’m so honored to sing this song and help spread that message.”

LeAnn Rimes new album, Lady and Gentlemen, is due out September 27.

Watch the Adele cover + listen to the new single following.

[Related Post: Defending L. Rimes & 'Crazy Women']

[LeAnn's Give Campaign.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

For realz, can anyone remember a time before YouTube? I mean, where would we be without the ability to upload and to share videos of such monumental moments in our lives? You know, those crucially profound moments involving planking, coneing (I’m still confused by this one!), and meaningful tips, like how to make your forehead protrude like Gaga’s in the Born This Way video!

Ahh, yes. Thank God for Youtube…

In all seriousness though, I am grateful for the platform YouTube has given to such hidden talents. Musical matches made in heaven like Jayesslee, who may not have had the opportunity for exposure otherwise.

I stumbled across this clip and loved their energy!

Check it!

And in case you’re outta the loop, Janice and Sonia (AKA Jayesslee) are twins from Sydney Australia.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I mean, gurl…who told him this would be a good idea? Personally, I get a little too nervous watching this clip. I’m glad all ended well and errbody left happy as clams, but when you’re a famous little homefry like JB, someone might taser your ass and hold your body for ransom! Am I right, or am I right?

As expected, mass hysteria ensues.

For the record, this wedding took place this past weekend in California, where Jeanine Holguin and Rob McCool were getting their hetero marriage on (yes, it’s legal), by doing what, you ask? Oh you know, just singing some Bieber classic over the karaoke machine, duh. That’s when Justin decided to show face, shocking the heck out of guests who were probably stuffing their ears with cotton balls. What? Karaoke at weddings always makes the ears bleed!

It’s just as crazy but not nearly as fun as that one time Katy Perry crashed a high school prom in Australia. That was pretty funskies!

Regardless, it was a pretty cool and thoughtful gesture. See for yourself.

Oh! And congrats to the happy couple!

Oh yeah, one more thing and I’ll shut up — I threw in Dani Shay’s (les-bean that looks like Biebs) cover of Pink’s F**kin’ Perfect because it’s amazing and it helps to soothe the ears after the first clip. She’s fab.