I spent much of last week laid low by stomach flu. I thought I might not be able to post at all this week but I recovered with enough time to pull together this theme-free collection of random songs.

Ian Fisher “I Will Always Love You” (Dolly Parton)
The original version was a country song but the best-known version is probably Whitney Houston’s overwrought cover. I like the way Ian Fisher mines the deep vein of sadness in the song. This is from a wonderful compilation album called “Death To The 90s” that you can buy here.

Dick Haymes “Me And Bobby McGee” (Kris Kristofferson)
My friend John spends long hours rooting through stacks of vinyl in thrift stores. I admire his patience, especially when he turns up something like this astonishing live performance.

Town Hall “Always On Time” (Ja Rule)
I’ve had this song hanging round my hard drive for awhile now, trying to find a way to fit it into one theme or another, but now I can present it without having to worry about its context. I really like the way this version nails the Cover Freak aesthetic of doing something interesting and creative with another artist’s song. You can check out Town Hall here or here.

Hearts And Flowers “Reason To Believe” (Tim Hardin)
This is one of my favorite songs, particularly Tim Hardin’s incredibly sad and vulnerable original version. But I do find this sunny hippie-dippie take on it amusing. Proof once again that you really can’t mess up a great song.

Wakey Wakey “Walking On Sunshine” (Katrina And The Waves)
The original MTV staple was all cheerful enthusiasm but Wakey Wakey lets a little bit of doubt creep in. After all, the singer is waiting for a letter saying that the object of her affection is coming around. This comes from a free downloadable album that Wakey Wakey put out for Record Store Day 2012.