Bayside "Covers Volume #1", Reviewed
Bayside released a 5-track EP of covers called Covers Volume #1. I couldn't adore it any more than I do.
"Be My Baby", originally by The Ronettes, is adorable and perfect. Raneri's voice takes on a new form here that's curbed a bit and is softer but in a strong way. It's difficult to explain, but it's gorgeous. Needless to say, it blows the original out of the water. The music is so fantastic, and I can't imagine a single thing they could've done to make it more awesome. The drums, the bass, everything just matches up and is calibrated to make this version waaay more rockin' than the original
Elvis Costello's "Oliver's Army" was covered, and I adore it. Bayside can literally do nothing wrong. They took it on, made it their own, but kept the integrity of the brilliance. They added a few new layers, but made sure they paid proper tribute. If anyone can cover Costello, it's Raneri; I was blown away by the power and sheer attention to detail with this cover. It's entirely flawless.
The cover of Van Morrisson's "Wild Night" is incredible. I'm not a huge fan of the original, so I didn't really have any expectations for this version. However, I can tell you that if I did have expectations, they would've been far exceeded. It's so good; I honestly don't have words for it. The harmonies are untouchable. They're molded and shaped in that way that is distinctly Bayside's. The guitars are true to the original, but sprinkle in dashes of their own personal talent.
God I hope there's a volume 2. And 3. And 4…
