I'm happy to introduce a new feature here on Shellac and Vinyl. Those of you that know me or enjoy my radio show know that I'm a sucker for odd or interesting cover versions. So, I've added a new column here to expose my readers to some of these covers.
The first feature is on Camper Van Beethoven's cover of Status Quo's "Pictures of Matchstick Men". First, here's the original and the cover.
http://youtu.be/NP6RzRfVlpA
http://youtu.be/ShWNLlz4Ic4
The original version by Status Quo, a psychedelic folk band from the UK, was recorded in 1969 and has the heady and unmistakable vibe of 60s psychedelica, a slow, rolling groove. Under Camper Van Beethoven, the song takes on an urgency and the slick and direct style of 90s with CVB own genre-bending style. The reedy guitar of the Status Quo version is replaced by an actual violin. Camper Van Beethoven's version appears on the landmark album Key Lime Pie in 1989.
CVB and Status Quo are actually still performing today. Status Quo still tour with some of the core group still intact. CVB put out an album a few years ago and singer Dave Lowery also records solo and under his other band, Cracker.
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