Paul Wisner Rates "Kids in America" Covers

Occasionally, and much to the dismay of our keyboardist/guitarist Paul Wisner, my band covers a song. In fact, we (Miskatonic) played an entire set of unlikely cover songs at our singer's wedding. But aside from that, I can only recall three that we've played out: "Do It Clean" (Echo and the Bunnymen), "I Was Made for Loving You" (KISS) and "Kids in America" (Kim Wilde).

Paul thinks we shouldn't cover any songs; but if we had to it should be a unique version, "based on the the original words and melody - as opposed to mimicking a particular recorded performance." He points to Sonic Youth's haunting interpretation of The Carpenter's "Superstar" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y21VecIIdBI).

In this spirit, he recently shared with the band his ratings of "Kids in America" covers ...

BEST:
MxPx (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QuuKqwRpCc)

GOOD:
The Muffs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31amCrgicbI&feature=related)
Pennywise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFuWMXxpf5M)
The Bloodhound Gang (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPxtvwd-2lw)
The Donnas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu-8soqGK-U)
Len (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dxkF-GWwCQ)

'A' FOR EFFORT:
Lawnmower Deth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJz6_PEu6Iw)

HORRIBLE:
Cascada (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRLxeiBzSJQ&feature=related)
Kim-Lian (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieyU4F76EYU&feature=related)
Hannah Montana (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7o_aateAsE&feature=related)

WORSE THAN HORRIBLE:
The Jonas Brothers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOZxpCyGxF8)
No Secrets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYAPDCEaJ80&feature=related)

I'm sure he didn't capture all of them ... any others worth consideration??

My Band Shares Favorite Songs Over Pizza & Beer

Last Friday night several members of my band, Miskatonic (left), got together at our drummer Mark's house for pizza and beer - and to each share a few songs that inspire us and might be relevant to our '80s-influenced alt-pop sound. These weren't necessarily our favorite three songs ... just ones we liked and wanted other band members to hear. (Unfortunately, Tim, our guitarist, was out of town.)

Between beer, pizza, and playing Beatles Rock Band, here's what we listened to. What would you choose?

Mark (Drums)

• Secret Meeting - The National
• To Be Broadcast - The Butchies
• Uncontrollable Urge - Devo

Paul (Guitar, Keyboards)

• You Gave Your Love to me Softly (Unreleased) - Weezer
• Violent Life - Blonde Redhead
• Lucky Guy - The Muffs (I've been playing this song obsessively since being reminded of it.)

Liz (Vocals)

• Kiss, Kiss - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• You'll Find a Way - Santogold
• Wolf Like Me - TV on the Radio

Steve (Bass)

• The Pace is the Trick - Interpol
• I Only Said - My Bloody Valentine
• I Want the One I Can't Have - The Smiths

Here's the video for "Wolf Like Me" by TV on the Radio from their performance on Letterman.