You know by now that I like cover songs, especially well-done covers in an entirely different style than the original. Well, Hayseed Dixie are masters of that. I'm not sure where I first heard them; my vague memory is that I saw their first CD at a store, borrowed it from the library to check it out, and was hooked.
They call what they do "rockgrass"- bluegrass covers of rock songs. It's so wrong and so right. The story goes that they lived in a holler and came upon some rock records; only having a Victrola they played them on that, at 78rpm instead of 33, and copied what they heard.
In reality, these guys are great musicians. Two of them are sons of the guy who did "Dueling Banjos," from the movie Deliverance. I saw them once, and they were both musically impressive and a blast to watch. They were clearly having a ball, and the audience was too. They have a huge following in Europe, quite a few CDs, and have branched off from the covers. They do some originals, as the Kerosene Brothers, and most members have side projects. Here are just a few favorites, but I encourage you to explore their catalog.
Hell's Bells- Their first album was AC/DC covers, as you can guess from their name. As a kid who grew up in the '70s, hearing that band's music done this way (and with this particular bell) was hilarious.
Walk This Way- From their second album, assorted rock covers; this one just feels right.
I Don't Feel Like Dancing- Apparently a big hit for Scissor Sisters, I heard this version first.
Alien Abduction Probe- an original. Truly bizarre, and makes me laugh every time I hear it.
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