Here is a small collection of covers I've recorded over the past couple years. Hopefully this can serve as a fun distraction while we're all doing our best to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

As another distraction, here are some thoughts associated with each of these covers:

1) Nintendo 64
I've been a big fan of Alex G (aka Sandy) for years. The way he produces and arranges his songs are incredibly inventive and interesting. I was happy to record this song for a compilation of Alex G covers that the wonderful bedroom pop label, Z Tapes, put together. I decided to cover this unreleased track because the title felt like a great excuse to incorporate some chiptune sounds. I've also enjoyed Alex G's more understated vocal melodies and find this song to be a prime example of that.

2) 10 Things
I've been vaguely aware of Paul Baribeau's music for a while, but it took a recommendation from April (of Apes of the State) for me to dive headfirst into his discography. His lyrics expose a level of sincerity and vulnerability that drew me in. His sparse yet energetic arrangements reminded me why I feel in love with folk punk in the first place. I particularly appreciate "10 Things" because it exemplifies an unwavering yet realistic sense of positivity.

3) Would You
A couple years back, my brother and I learned some songs for our sister's wedding. We decided to record them for as a present to our mom and put this recording together in my brother’s apartment. Our grandmother loved the movie "Singin' In The Rain" and this song will always remind me of her.

4) 1914
This song was originally released as a demo in 2014 and I listened to it countless times that summer. The lyrics struck me as magical and filled with a sense of nostalgia and childlike wonder. This song ended up being the perfect foil to the arduous and boring hour-long commute I had at that time.

5) Birthday Song
The TV Show "Bee and Puppycat" is beautiful and I highly recommend it if you’re interested in animation. The show makes the point that many people never feel fully competent as an adult and will struggle to view themselves as something other than a child. Without getting into spoilers, I think the show really hits its stride when it introduces the protagonist's dad with this song.

6) Take On Me
I recorded this song for a never released compilation of folk punk covers of songs from the 80s. Confession time, though - I don't love a lot of music from that decade. I discussed this compilation with my partner, who has better taste in music than I, and she recommended a slew of 80s classics. It brought a smile to my face when she mentioned “Take On Me.” It's one of those songs that's just a little too ridiculous but relishes in its melodrama. I had a lot of fun recording this cover and I hope my screeches can make you laugh a little.

7) Noodleboy's Lullabye
Billy is a wonderful musician and a true friend. Our mutual friend Eric organized a compilation of Billy Mack Collector covers back in 2018 and it was a pleasure to learn his song about a now demolished mural. (RIP Noodleboy)

8) Compressor Repair
I first saw Emperor X perform in a friend's basement a couple years ago. I went to the show blind and with zero expectations and it ended up being one of the best performances I've ever seen. The next day, I devoured his discography and fell in love. His lyrics are political without being overt and his compositions are varied and inspired. This song is a little slower than is typical for him but I find it frequently fits my mood and gets stuck in my head.

9) This Is It
Michael Jordan Touchdown Pass (now performing under the name Sadjoy) has been one of my favorite musicians for almost 10 years. His music aims to fill a spiritual and philosophical void. The succinctness of this song's lyrics really speak to me. Life can be so confusing but also so simple.

10) True Love Will Find You In The End
Daniel Johnston's is -the- outsider musician and his songs have been covered countless times. I recently got an omnichord and recorded this cover to teach myself the instrument. Once I recorded the track, I knew that it needed to be drenched in reverb. To get the job done, I reached out to Will Rufe, my friend and local reverb enthusiast. Will and I typically work together as the band Great/Plain and I’m constantly impressed by his production skills. He made this song sound fantastic as he does with all the music he touches.