Song: I Won’t Share You
Smiths Album: Strangeways Here We Come
Taken From: The Morning Covers
Before changing their name to Pop ETC in 2012, Brooklyn-by-way-of-Berkley indie band dropped the EP The Morning Covers, featuring this piano driven, rather haunting version of “I Won’t Share You”. While obviously not the same, vocalist Chris Chu does nail Morrissey’s aching melancholy.
Song: This Night Has Opened My Eyes
Smiths Album: Hatful Of Hollow
Taken From: This Station Is Non-Operational
On most occasions I can’t stand At The Drive In, I must give the band full respect for this cover. Stripping away their bulldozer-meets-garage-rock sound, they give a soulful tinge to this jam. Even vocalist Cedric Bixler lays off the screaming, and layers on ironic sweetness.
Song: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Smiths Album: The Queen Is Dead
Taken From: Live Performance
In between writing for Oasis, and fighting with his brother Liam, Noel Gallagher has always been a solid Smiths supporter. I wanted to hate this live, acoustic version of one of my favorite Smiths songs, but I love it. Gallagher pays the song its due respect, but also adds some of that Gallagher brothers swagger.
Song: Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want
Smiths Album: Hatful Of Hollow
Taken From: Live Performance
Take a wonderfully talented ukulele orchestra, add lush Spanish voice, mix well and serve. What you get is a gorgeous and unique take one of the most depressing songs ever written. You can’t deny when all the players start singing. Awesome.