Zappa Tribute Update
The Cover Freak Frank Zappa Tribute (don’t worry, I’ll think of a snappier name before I release it) continues to take shape. I’ve got nine acts lined up and they’re doing a nice variety of songs. There’s still time to get involved, so if you or somebody you know would like to participate you can find details here.

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The radio in my car has a dock connector for my iPod. When the iPod’s plugged in a display on the radio shows what song is playing. I have it set to show the artist, since more often than not a cover comes on and I recognize the song but I wonder who the heck is playing it. The downside of the radio’s display is that it doesn’t show symbols like ampersands. For some reason a lot of songs have popped up on my iPod lately by bands with ampersands in their names. I figure it must be Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand telling me to devote a post to the humble ampersand.

She & Him “You Really Got A Hold On Me” (The Miracles)
I’m in love with Zooey Deschanel. I know, that doesn’t exactly make me special. She’s got huge saucer-like blue eyes, a good singing voice, and great musical taste. What more could you possibly want from a woman? Her collaboration with Matt Ward has been growing on me lately and I’m happy to see that they have a new record out. I love the way they harmonize on this one.

Black & Blue “Take The Long Way Home” (Supertramp)
This is from another of the great cover compilations put out by Brian Ibbott over at Coverville. It reworks the unlikely classic rock staple as a smooth blues song. It’s probably the singer’s voice but it reminds me a little of the bluesier material from Was/Not Was.

Beck Bogert & Appice “Superstition” (Stevie Wonder)
Super groups generally have the lifespan of a mayfly. They come together and make music for a glorious instant and are then torn apart by rockstar egos. But the good ones leave behind wonderful music. Which is the story of Beck, Bogert, & Appice. They only made one studio album but it still stands as some of the best stuff Jeff Beck has ever recorded.

DM Bob & Deficits “Jeepster” (T. Rex)
I’m not very into glam rock but I just love this song. In fact I love the whole Electric Warrior album. I also love the way the DM Bob turns it into a raw low-fi honky-tonk number. It sounds like he recorded it in his bathroom.

Hue & Cry “Fixing A Hole” (The Beatles)
There are way too many jazz Beatles covers. Most of them are too showy for my taste, with the musicians taking a very familiar song and wanking all over it to show off their fanciest licks. This one certainly has a lot going on but it all holds together and works quite well.