My iPod has been on an Ennio Morricone kick lately. It’s sad that there aren’t more covers of songs from the soundtracks to those Clint Eastwood spaghetti Westerns. So I’m compelled to post generic cowboy songs.

Leningrad Cowboys Feat. The Alexandrov Red Army Ensemble “Happy Together” (The Turtles)
The Leningrad Cowboys aren’t cowboys and they aren’t from Leningrad either. They’re a Finnish band originally created by filmmaker Mato Valtonen. Their take on the Turtles classic is so demented it makes me laugh out loud.

Pansy Division “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other” (Ned Sublette)
What did you think those saddles and boots were about, anyway? It’s the perfect song for Pansy Division and they find just the right balance of light heartedness and rocking earnestness.

Pine Valley Cosmonauts “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” (Patsy Montana)
Roping, riding, the wind in your hair. It sounds great, as long as you can find a cowboy who’s not gay.

White Town “Rhinestone Cowboy” (Glen Campbell)
White Town is one guy, Jyoti Prakash Mishra, who was born in India and grew up in England. He does great things with cheesy synthesizers.

Cowboy Junkies “Powderfinger” (Neil Young)
The Cowboy Junkies do sometimes sound like they’ve done a little too much heroin, but this slowed-down version of the classic rock staple is wondrous. The interplay between the accordion and mandolin is absolutely beautiful.