Thanks to Chris Salmon for the nice mention in the Guardian.

Once again I take my monthly break from theme-mongering to bring you… stuff.

The Blues Magoos “Who Do You Love” (Bo Diddley)
It’s possible to play a Bo Diddley song without a Bo Diddley beat, but is it advisable? Discuss.

Erin McKeown “It’s Only A Paper Moon” (Ella Fitzgerald)
Ms. McKeown was apparently so focused on being a successful singer/songwriter that she had a hard time taking up the challenge of doing a covers album. This nicely syncopated version of the jazz standard makes me glad she did.

Ludwig Von 88 “We Will Rock You” (Queen)
I was a huge fan of early Queen when I was in grade school, but this song never did much for me. The stupid dinosaur-stomp beat just makes my head hurt. I wince every time I hear it at a sports arena.

Luckily the wacky Frenchmen of Ludwig Von 88 make it sound like a rocking Clash tune.

Lou Rawls “Season of the Witch” (Donovan)
Boy, this is way better than the original. Thanks to Uncle Flakey for this one.

Axton Kincaid “I Wanna Be Adored” (Stone Roses)
Some really nice fingerpicking on this song. And killer pedal steel guitar. Do you need anything else?