Cover Song of the Week - Gotye 'Somebody That I Used To Know', cover by Walk Off The Earth

One of my favorite series here @ Root Down in the Shadow is the Cover Song of the Week.  The cover songs range from imitation to divergent.  Some keep the original mood.  Some are dramatically changed.  This week's entry as reminded by the original artist Gotye "[is] just like the ’60s when local artists would sometimes pick the original artist at the post by doing a cover and getting it out to an audience before the original artist was in the market."


EDITOR NOTE: This quote was taken from a great interview by CMJ By Christine Werthman. Seeing as how I couldn't find that article when searching in Google, I thought it would be great to share it with you, as well as these videos!

Aussie Gotye released Making Mirrors last fall.  I received the hit single 'Somebody That I Used to Know' via the KCRW Today's Top Tune in early October.  I lost track of it in the following weeks as I was focused on a lot of concerts in October.  I was reminded of it again when Cousin Ben brought him up.  I put him back into heavy rotation, and now the wife and I are completely hooked on the song. 

Gotye 'Somebody That I Used to Know' featuring Kimbra

About two weeks ago, I was surprised to hear Gotye on satellite radio.  When I received a call last weekend, from a friend of mine about some Canadian band doing a unique cover, I knew why it hit the airwaves.  He had told me of this cover being played some gazillion times in the month since their video was posted.  He said their gimmick was five people around a guitar all playing the same instrument, but making different sounds. 


When I got home and looked up the cover & original versions of 'Somebody I used to Know', I was shocked.  Approximately 60 some million hits each, AMAZING!  I understand the cover getting the attention, as it is certainly unique to see this kind of set up with 5 members around one instrument, but WOW!
 
Cover version of 'Somebody That I Used to Know; by Walk Off The Earth

The video is really fascinating.  It hardly seems possible?  Earlier back in January Ellen DeGeneres became aware of Walk Off The Earth and brought them on the show to showcase their skills.  Hopefully, for the non-teenage girl world this turns out better than a previous favorite of Ellen's Justin Beiber.

As you could imagine the attention that 60 million views get you, the band is expanding out of Canada.  What to expect, it's hard to say.  When written about, they are listed as an indie band.  So far from what I can see, they are a band getting big with a range of covers on YouTube.  I really haven't had much luck finding any original work, even on their "under construction" website.

Back to Gotye/ and his video.  It is quite intriguing, even Molly is hooked on "naked song"(see the video you'll understand the moniker).  The video is very well done.  Unlike so many videos that don't even match the song, this one has great symbolism with the "somebody that I used to know" blending into the background.  At the same time the video is raw, allowing you to listen directly to the lyrics soaking it all in.  Unlike many songs today, which I enjoy but have no idea what they are about 'Somebody That I Used to Know' is transparent enough that we can all relate.

To listen to more FULL tracks from Gotye, head to SoundCloud.com for streaming!  'Eyes Wide Open' was my other favorite from the new album Making Mirrors

What about Kimbra?  Who is she?  Kimbra is a New Zealand singer Check out her video for 'Settle Down'

Kimbra 'Settle Down'


or Kimbra 'Good Intent'
Just don't expect to find much of her music readily available online. Only the Settle Down EP is available on the U.S. iTunes!

She is touring in a few weeks, so if you like her, be sure to check her out!.
March 22 Washington, DC- 9:30 Club
March 23 Philadelphia, PA- Theatre of Living Arts
March 25 New York, NY- Terminal 5 (Onsale Feb. 2)
March 27 New York, NY- Webster Hall
March 29 Boston, MA- House of Blues
March 30 Montreal, PQ- Corona Theatre
March 31 Toronto, ON- Kool Haus
April 2 Ypsilanti, MI- Eastern Michigan University Pease Auditorium
April 3 Chicago, IL- Park West
April 4 Minneapolis, MN- Varsity Theatre
April 6 Denver, CO- Ogden Theatre
April 8 Vancouver, BC- Vogue Theatre
April 10 Seattle, WA- Neptune Theatre
April 11 Portland, OR- Crystal Ballroom
April 12 San Francisco, CA- Independent