This week I’ll be looking at song covers. This is not a list of the most well known covers to date. For instance I won’t be looking at Buckley’s legendary rendition of Cohen’s “Hallelujah” or Gary Jules’ haunting take of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World.” Those puppies go without saying. What we’re looking for are the overlooked covers, those little gems hiding in the rough that add just a little something to the original.

“Imagine” – A Perfect Circle
For all you metalheads out there, I cordially invite you to experience the dark side of John Lennon’s anthem to peace. Yes, the piano and strings are still there from the original, but that famous tune has been dropped into C minor, the most epic of all keys. RAAHH!!!!

Do You Realize? – The Reign of Kindo
TROK (formerly This Day & Age) has made leaps and bounds toward perfecting jazz/alternative fusion. In fact, if you were to put their CD on iTunes, the genre registers as “awesome.” Do yourself a favor and listen to this jazzed up ditty written by The Flaming Lips.

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – Sufjan Stevens
College is the perfect time to hear about good old Sufjan (Soof-yon), a nationally renowned multi-instrumentalist from Holland, MI. To put it blandly, he’s kind of a big deal. You might recall David Crowder cover of Sufjan’s nine minute epic, Oh God, Where are You Now?. So study up starting with this whispery rendition of an old (old) favorite.

“Amazing Grace” – Cat Power
Because Amazing Grace is covered so often, I was forced to narrow it down to a single artist. I chose Cat Power because she adds what I would almost call a sexy vibe to the 18th century hymn, almost like inviting God to a romantic dinner. And that is a daring feat in itself. Hats off to you, Cat Power!

“I Know It’s Over” – Jeff Buckley
I know I mentioned Buckley already, but what can I say? The man has some of the most spine-tingling covers. This live version of The Smiths’ heart-aching lullaby crams in even more ache and more heart. It only hurts more to hear the deceased artist promising the elated audience, “I’ll be back! It was a pleasure. See ya!” It was pleasure, Mr. Buckley. Oh, it was.

“House of the Rising Sun” – Muse
To make one thing clear: The Animals did NOT write this piece, nor did Bob Dylan. Like many greats, House of the Rising Sun is of unknown origins and has been covered more times than can be counted. I especially enjoyed hearing the astro-rock Brit band, Muse, bashing the living daylights out of it. This century-old tune from the bayou never sounded so…well…LOUD!

“Carol of the Bells” – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Hark hear the bells! It’s not Christmastime yet, but who says you need a holiday to listen to good music? These guys (and gals) are what might be called a rock orchestra that puts on a better light show than U2; there are sixty members including narrators, vocalists, and heavy metal guitar wizards.

“Smooth Criminal” – Alien Ant Farm
I have to laugh with this one. Alien Ant Farm became famous for their jaunty, absurd, and undeniably fun cover of the late Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal while I was a pimply pre-teen braving middle school. You can find it on their first album aptly titled Greatest Hits.

“All Along the Watchtower” – Dave Matthews Band
Written by Bob Dylan, made famous by Hendrix, you may or may not love this energetic (and drunken) romp through memory lane.

“O Holy Night” – Nick Pitera
Another Christmas song. What makes this performance a tad different than the rest is that our friend Nick has the ability to sing as a male and a female. Yes, it is real. No, he is all there. Really. Also, catch him singing both parts on A Whole New World from Disney’s Aladdin.