SO BEAUTIFUL IT MAKES ME CRY
Put on a live version of someone singing a ballad and I cry. This morning I played the blind audition of Maan on YouTube (she is the niece of a dear friend, so I wanted to see how she did at The Voice) and my daughter (who is six) came stomping over to me, checked my eyes and said: “Wow mom, it’s eight in the morning and you’re already crying.’
I have a big, soft spot when it comes to gentle songs. And somehow covers hit even harder. Because you know the original song so well, a second layer is automatically added. If done well, at least. When I hear the ‘thick wood saws planks version’ of ‘May I stay with you’ by Jeroen van der Boom, I almost feel physically ill. Poor Claudia de Breij, who has to watch helplessly as her song is violated. Anyway. Tastes differ.
Since we can appreciate a touching tune on this lazy Saturday, I’ve dug up my favorite cover list for you. It was a task (because what should I choose?), but a very fun task. Here it comes. I would say: sit down and YouTube.
Laura Jansen – Use Somebody
You already knew this one, but it’s so beautiful, small and understatedly sung. Hats off to Laura. Where have you been all this time? Come back!
Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman – Something Stupid
You’re probably so young that you don’t even know that ‘Something Stupid’ was a song that Frank Sinatra sang with his daughter Nancy. Then the song suddenly has a completely different meaning because it is sung from father to daughter. When Robbie and Nicole Kidman (I think she actually sings quite well, at least, I can’t do it in the karaoke café) start their duet, it immediately takes on a whole new weight.
Mad World van Gary Jules
Just close your eyes and listen.
I follow rivers – Triggerfinger
Immediately puts you in the mood for a long evening with lots of songs, dances, and wine.
Lo-Fang – You’re the one that I want
A year ago I heard this version for the first time. It’s the music used in the Chanel 5 commercial with Michiel Huisman. Lo-Fang was an unknown New York artist who happened to be friends with a friend of Baz Luhrmann, the director. And then the ball rolled right into the jackpot.
