Various Artists - Triple J - Like A Version Volume 3 (Album)
What makes a good cover song is debateable. For me, it’s not that complicated. Firstly, the song itself must have some legs. If it wasn’t awesome in its original form, there’s a fair chance the cover version will suck just as hard. Secondly, the artist covering the track must bring something new to it, something unique. So with these criteria in mind, Triple J’s Like A Version Vol. 3, an album of artists doing versions of other artists’ tracks, is a good listen… for the most part.
The compilation opens with Ben Folds’ version of 'Such Great Heights', originally by The Postal Service. The track’s polite melodies suit Folds perfectly, and the stripped-back version of the song reveals the quality of the arrangement he had to work with. Another good choice was Eskimo Joe’s decision to cover 'Hey' by the Pixies. Firstly, the track just suits a live performance and the boys pull it of perfectly. Also, Kav Temperley’s vocals, which can sometimes sound a little weak live, are incredible. Delivering the line “… if you go I will surely die” with a wounded scowl, the track is infectious and one I’ll be adding to my iPod’s ‘I Feel Sorry For Myself’ playlist. Other standouts are The Magic Numbers cover of Beyonce’s 'Crazy In Love', Sub Audible Hum’s version of the Toto classic 'Africa', and Gomez’s performance of 'Breakfast In America', originally by Supertramp.
But then there’s Josh Pyke’s cover of 'The House At Pooh Corner'. I assume a choice like this is meant to be ironic, and that is fine. But why include it on the compilation? It’s a cutesy track, and little else. And it hurts me to say that, because I think Josh Pyke is one of Australia’s best artists. Another bizarre addition is Macromantics’ less than enthusiastic version of 'Jump', originally performed by those pioneers of wearing jeans back-to-front, Kris Kross. The song sucked the first time around, and this version is no better. And I know Angus & Julia Stone are all the rage with Triple J fans, but despite their best efforts, not even they can pull off a likeable version of Chumbawumba’s 'Tubthumping'.
My last gripe is this. I chose to review this album because I thought Regina’ Spektor’s amazing version of John Lennon’s 'Real Love' would be on it. It’s not. And judging by the few forums I’ve read discussing this album, I’m not the only one to be disappointed by its exclusion. Presumably it’ll be included in next year’s Hottest 100.
For the most part, Triple J’s Like A Version Vol. 3 is an enjoyable listen, with a few incredible tracks well worth adding to your ipod. It also includes an accompanying DVD of some of the performances which gives a little insight into the making of this CD. But the inclusion of some poor tracks and the exclusion of at least one great one, means you’ll be resentfully hitting the skip button more than you’d like to.
