General Gregory N. Pigott: Late Night Music Part 111........"I Can't Get Out From Under These Cover Songs!"

Well, the 1's are wild tonight, so I figured I'd go out on a limb and do yet another cover song blog. If you all haven't figured out by now, I am OBSESSED, yes OBSESSED with cover songs. Just when I think I've included all of them, I always stumble upon more. I would also like to say that this list has taken longer than any other list I've ever done, but it was one of the most fun I've had making in a long time.

In a rare feat, all songs receiving votes were included on tonight's list.

"The Lazy Song"- Naya Marie with John Vella (Originally by Bruno Mars). As you all have figured out by now, I'm becoming a huge fan of this Canadian gem! This video was recorded live in Australia with Australian singer/songwriter John Vella. For some weird reason, he reminds me of Edward Norton. Also, females pay attention. Naya Marie is a perfect example of how you can have lots of piercings and still look glamorous. They can be cool, but they have to be done right and not just taken out of control- end of soapbox. Like I said before, follow Naya Marie on twitter @nayamarie or find her on facebook. You can also check out all of her videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/nayamarie2009. The Bruno Mars version of this song from his debut album "Doo Wops and Hooligans" went to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hilarious video.....that's gonna be a theme in this list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG39O1qdSTw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLexgOxsZu0

"Time After Time"- Quietdrive (Originally by Cyndi Lauper). This very interesting cover of the 1984 Cyndi Lauper ballad was included on Quietdrive's 2006 debut album "When All That's Left Is You". Surprisingly, the song by Lauper has been covered over 120 times! I've heard a few of the other versions, but I'm still gonna call this one the best, even better than the Boyz II Men version. However, the charts didn't think so, as this single peaked at #102 on the US Hot 100. I'm scratching my head too, how is that possible?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk3M95qcepw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQY7BusJNU

"Dreams"- The Corrs (Originally by Fleetwood Mac). Usually, I leave classic songs like this one (which is one of my all time favorites by one of my all time favorite bands) alone just because they are usually in the "untouchable" category just due to the greatness of the original. However, this version is so clever I felt like I had to include it. I always felt Fleetwood Mac was one of the toughest bands to cover just due to the great musicianship they had as a band. I remember this rose to a point so high once that I called in Y101 and hollered at Mike Montana for playing a cover of Fleetwood Mac for their recent "Rumors" tribute album right after a phone interview with Mick Fleetwood. However, on this song, I seriously eat my words. The fact that the Corrs can pull of Irish Folk Music and Techno/Dance with this song and still have it awesome is literally amazing. This single was released on their 1998 album "Talk On Corners" and peaked at #6 in both Ireland and the UK, and saw other success on the charts in other European countries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BglEyv5O2Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDCYbQc28Hw

"One More Try"- Divine (Originally by George Michael). Ok, we all remember how sick we got of hearing Divine's lead single "Lately" from their debut (and only) album "Fairy Tales". The follow up to their #1 hit was this cover of George Michael's 1988 #1 hit from his debut solo album "Faith". This version merely peaked at #29, but I was always wowed by this effort, just not by the weird video. Seriously, Divine's wardrobe designer should have been fired. I think Divine had the unfortunate luck of being around at the same time as Destiny's Child, Aaliyah, and even Xscape. There just wasn't any more room for 90's-esque girl R & B groups as the decade wound down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC8gRv-JsjM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG5N3GC-m20

"Weak"- Queen of Hearts (Originally by SWV). Yes! I found another Canadian youtube sensation in Queen of Hearts. This up and coming girl group from Toronto put on a great track with this cover of the 1993 worldwide #1. Be sure to follow Queen of Hearts on twitter @queenofheartsto or like them on facebook!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MQID1OLlHg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6qiV2nS6Js

"Bizarre Love Triangle"- Frente! (Originally by New Order). Frente! made a 1:55 splash in the United States with this abbreviated version of the New Order classic. The song landed at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was included on this Australian band's debut album "Marvin the Album". Ironically, the song actually charted higher than the original version by New Order despite it being probably the band's most popular song and one of the most famous dance/techno hits of all time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDCYbQc28Hw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8d91WpU4fo

"Don't Turn Around"- Ace of Base (Originally by Tina Turner). Before Tina Turner was on Bali commercials, she released this song in 1986 as the B-Side to "Typical Male" from Tina's hit 1986 album "Break Every Rule". The song was largely forgotten until it was picked up by Ace of Base and included on their worldwide smash 1993 album "The Sign" and reached a surprising #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. I feel like I'm watching a really bad foreign soap opera from the 80's when I watch this video. Why do European bands do that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us9O_Anwi_Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPJgQlUiZPE

"Smooth Criminal"- Alien Ant Farm (Originally by Michael Jackson). I honestly can't remember if I had included this one before, but if I did I really don't care because this is freaking awesome. The band included the song on their debut album "Anthology" and it became their highest charting single to date peaking at #23. The band actually recorded the song by "accident" as they would play parts of the song in soundcheck during live performances causing the band to request them to play the whole song. What we got was a great cover song and an unreal video. This one is so good despite it being also in the "untouchable" class for the most part. I can't think of another Michael Jackson cover I would put on this list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDl9ZMfj6aE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_D3VFfhvs4

"Dream On"- Train (Originally by Aerosmith). Ok, I'm counting this one despite it never being recorded on an album by Train. I'm counting it because I saw them do this song live in 2003 in Hattiesburg, MS at USM when they were touring in support of their album "My Private Nation". They actually closed the show with this song. At that point, the song was surprisingly 30 years old, as it was on Aerosmith's self-titled debut album in 1973.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV42oU3QBwY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLz-68n6bvI

"Take On Me"- Northern Kings (Originally by A-ha). I really like Finnish symphonic rock bands. Call it a guilty pleasure. The Northern Kings are Finland's version of the Traveling Wilburys, as it serves as a side project for all members who have found success in other bands, including Marco Hietala from one of my personal favorites, Nightwish. The Northern Kings have recorded two albums of nothing but cover songs that have been nothing short of off the wall, especially for this genre. However, they pay homage to their Scandinavian friends from Norway with this cover that was featured on their 2008 album "Rethroned". You know were great as a one hit wonder when a Finnish symphonic rock band is covering your song 23 years after it was released. Despite A-ha still touring and recording, they have never come close to the success of this debut single that was included on their debut album "Hunting High and Low" and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlupRATWkm0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914

"Slow Dancing In A Burning Room"- Tyler Ward (Originally by John Mayer). Tyler Ward is a Denver based artist who has gotten tons of popularity from his youtube videos and iTunes songs. This cover of my favorite John Mayer song (another one that would usually be on the "untouchable" list) with a little help from mom. Is done phenomenally. Check it out on iTunes. Also, you can follow Tyler Ward on twitter at @tylerwardmusic or you can like him on facebook.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9NceVrhTOg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6fwA37LEqA

"I'll Be There"- Mariah Carey feat. Trey Lorenz (Originally by The Jackson 5). This song was the song that put Mariah Carey in the spotlight. Back when MTV still had music, Mariah Carey had an amazing "Unplugged" special as well as hit EP to accompany the live performance. This single, which also went to #1 like the Jackson 5 version, was actually released before the album was released and before the special actually aired live just due to the demand of the single on airplay. This single also featured Trey Lorenz, who had a top 20 hit just a few months later with "Someone To Hold". Also, if you look closely, you will see future R & B diva Kelly Price singing background vocals. Bonus points for Michael Jackson appearing twice on the list and for the memorable live performance from the 1983 Motown 25 TV special.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIt3dx4an9c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBEr1_Mgr4Y

"Fireflies"- Sienna Skies (Originally by Owl City). I pulled this one out of nowhere. Sienna Skies is a hardcore metal band from Melbourne, Australia that covered this song by Owl City, who for my money, is quite possibly the most talented guy out there in music right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV48xokgFQE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuRGfAaju4

"I Love The Way You Lie", "Dynamite", and "Teenage Dream" (Mashup originally by Eminem featuring Rhianna, Taio Cruz, and Katy Perry). Ok I take that back- Sam Tsui is freaking amazing. I can't say anything about this video because it seriously speaks for itself. Check out Sam Tsui on facebook or follow him on twitter @samueltsui.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkHJ2-zoSB4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uelHwf8o7_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUjdiDeJ0xg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE

BONUS VIDEOS- "These Days"- Alien Ant Farm. Quite possibly the funniest video ever. Bonus points for being on the Madden 2004 Soundtrack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNM2tV3PA_8

"Lately"- Divine. It got played to death in 1998. Let's bring it back to life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uOzZRgJsX8

Naya Marie