Artists
This Year's Model
Submitted by dr™ on January 31, 2010 - 2:12am.Tonight I decided to do another post of Covers because yes, it's easy, plus, there's so much content out there, it's more of a challenge deciding what not to post than what to include. I knew there were plenty of versions of Kraftwerk's The Model (or, Das Model, the original German version) out there, but I had no clue just HOW many! They're in no particular order, except for how I came across them.
In order to avoid overdosing on this song (or getting it irretrievably stuck in your head), I urge you to listen to these in doses. Maybe you can start an office tradition and play one version a week for your appreciative co-workers on "Model Mondays." I don't know. Anyhow, enjoy!
Zoot Woman
Slick version from the group that brought you Living In a Magazine (where The Model undoubtably resides).
The Cardigans
These Swede popstars cover Das German version.
Rammstein
Teutonic metal. Not my thing, but I'm sure lots of angsty German kids dig this one.
Techni-ka
Madonna's Music Remixed via Kraftwerk. Maybe Madonna IS a robot after all...
Big Black
Noise rockers sludgin' it out. Still one of the best, IMO.
Nullsleep
Nullsleep reproduces it for the 2006 Blip Fest...
8-Bit Tunes
...which probably inspired this remake...
Yet Another 8-Bit Remix
...and this one.
Alphastates
Our first modern classical interpretation on the list.
Spizzenergi
Punky, cheeky take on it. Love those backup singers.
Messer Chups
I expect Tarantino to license this for a Yakuza flick.
Boris Brejcha
Guess it's inevitable that there would be a Minimal Tech cover.
Triology
More string quartet action here. The song is particularly suited for these instruments.
Joe Peas
Respectable Acid-y Italotronique remix.
Ladytron - He Took Her To A Movie
Technically not a cover, but you can hear parts of the song in there, no doubt. A nod to their futurist forebearers.
The Pistolas - Take It With A Kiss
Also not a cover, but that bassline is sounding awfully familiar...
Vocaloid SweetAnn
Japanime Robo-voiced Strangeness
Glen Hansard
Das Young Kountry ist gut.
Dr. Kondor's Robot Mix
Robotastic.
Seventh Celestia
Ballidic, soothing piano demo. And now, Deep Thoughts, by Jack Handey.
Mite Pauley
This guy's first remix. Not terrible I must say, if a bit overly long.
Matt West's Unplugged Version
Another piano one. I hear this one's used for the Hold Music when you call Kraftwerk's Customer Service line.
Erdmöbel
ök version, i suppose.
Dead Modell Jumpstyle Cover
Jumpstyle. Okay, another "genre" to avoid.
Noisebreezer
Minimally offensive, if a bit stagnant.
Mezkal
UK Kids are rockin' it.
VCR5
The accordian is a nice touch.
Ulf Hansson
More accordian for you. If I ever have a robot child, I'm naming him Ulf.
TonePort GX
German Metalpop a la Rammstein
James Sakal
Now at your local pub. Remember to tip your bartender!
The Singaia
Another surf guitar remake. Groovy.
The Listrix
Cool ties, guys.
Climatique
Straight Outta łódź!
FM feat. Emiliano & Synapscape
Very nice. I Like.
Overproof Soundsystem
First introduced to me by a RobotSound reader, this one reminds me of Original Rockers.
Sessiones Reggae [excerpt]
Another wikkid riddim for ya, mon.
David Byrne & Balanescu Quartet
David Byrne doing the robot makes this thee winner in my book.
Korabl
Eastern Bloc Rock with a Spaghetti Western vibe.
Orso Manzoneta
Bouncy Eurotrance. Yay.
Deep Six Creator
Bouncy Eurotrance. Yay.
Plazmabeat feat. Der Feind
Bouncy Eurocrap. Yay.
DJ Whytee's 21st Century Mix
Nothing really unique about this one. Not sure why I'm posting it.
Localhost
Another somewhat mediocre one.
Lektron
Cheesy, but kinda fun nonetheless.
Joan Chia
Played entirely on church bells. I kid you not.
Electric Model Flare Mix
Robot Tested, Robot Approved.
Alexampler
This one gets lame at about the 1 minute mark. Just warning ya. And that model? Yeesh.
VTRN! 2008 Rework
Autsch! Ausgezeichnet!
Mariopaint
I like one YouTuber's comment: Cute, but where's all the bpm? Are you on cough syrup or something?
Another blog has beat me to this topic. Plenty (and I mean PLENTY) more here, including ones by Electric Six, Ride and gulp, Moby.
Need even more versions???
Check this Russian site that's got a file with 70(!) of them, including many of the ones listed above. 378 MB worth. Egads! Will they ever stop?
Still not satisfied?!? Make your own damn version!
Let's Go Disco
Submitted by dr™ on January 9, 2010 - 10:28pm.Feeling Wierd
Submitted by dr™ on November 9, 2009 - 11:50pm.For the past 6 six years, DJ Pieter Schoolwerth and his Wierd cohorts have been championing the colder and darker electronic sounds, both old and new, the more obscure the better. This New, New Wave harkens back to synthpop's earliest years (late 70s - early 80s), long before digital became the norm. Armed with their Analogue weapons, they're bringing back an element that's been missing from today's sample-based, laptop, loop-driven productions... the icy soul of the machine.
This robot forecasts a strong cold front making its way to the West Coast with a series of parties sure to bring out the synth fetishists and minimal wavers alike. Wierd Records along with local chilly purveyors Killing Spree, have teamed up to bring the city of lost angels the best acts representing the forefront of this sub-zero culture. Brooklyn's Xeno & Oaklander, Martial Canterel (1/2 of Xeno & Oaklander), Blacklist and SF's Bronze will all be playing this weekend along with local bands and DJs. It's heartening to see and hear yesterday's sounds being re-utilized/re-fashioned in reaction to the rampant alienation, faceless anonymity and mindless consumption of "The Next Big Thing" of our internet age. A frozen light is being shed on an important, underappreciated era in the history of electronic music. Okay, I'll stop with the numbing, polar metaphors now.
RS™ Presents I <3 The 80s Vol. 4: The Unnecessary Covers Edition
Submitted by dr™ on August 23, 2009 - 10:37pm.It's time once again for RobotSound's next installment of I <3 The 80s, only this time...it's personal. No actually, I'm showcasing 80s covers that didn't really need to be made. So as not to make this a total downer of a post, I'm also including a few worthy versions that earn this robot's Seal of Approval.
[For those of you who may have missed our previous episodes: Part 1 > Part 2 > Part 3]
Even though we're 20 years out from the final year of the 80s, they're still very much with us as evidenced both by the milestone deaths of Michael Jackson and John Hughes and the continuing bad hipster fashion of the day. I keep rediscovering songs of the era that still hold up to this day, unlike much of today's "Flavor of the Week" garbage. The following tracks just go to show that you can try to emulate the greatness of yesteryear, but your best bet is often to simply leave well enough alone and let the originals speak for themselves.
Cazals - To Cut A Long Story Short
Faithful cover of the Spandau Ballet hit that doesn't bring much new to the game. If this were for a band karaoke contest, it would be good enough to propel the band to the next round, I suppose.
The Visitors - Our Lips Are Sealed
Saccharine Electro House version that will have you bored by the end of the track. Don't bother with Nouvelle Vague's recent take on it either (even if Terry Hall sings on it). Do yourself a favor and get the Fun Boy 3 12" and watch this great sounding live clip. The gothed-out cellist at 2:21 ftw!
Moby - New Dawn Fades
Sorry Moby, you're not at all right for a Joy Division song, no matter how big a fanboy of theirs you were. Boring Vegan Emo crap. Zzzzz....
Shiny Toy Guns - Major Tom (Coming Home)
Apparently, most people have heard this one in a Lincoln commercial. Maybe the advertisers figured that if they hired some hot young band to cover a classic 80s song, they'd win some street cred with Generation Hipster. Shiny Toy Guns also bear responsibility for their unnecessary cover of DM's Stripped. I think these guys are desperately trying not to be One-Hit Wonders.
Paris Hilton - Do You Think I'm Sexy
No, Paris, we don't think you're sexy. The correct term is skanky (though from a Marketing perspective, you're a fooking genius). Oddly enough, there's no corresponding video for this song. For a better, and far sleazier cover, enjoy this version from those Revolting Cocks. (Warning: Might be a tad awkward for work). Queen of Japan turn in a good rendition of it as well.
KMFDM - Being Boiled
NOOOOOOO!!!!!! Why?!?! There is NO need for this. You probably won't make it all the way through this one. Sadly, nothing in life is sacred any longer.
Nethescerial - The Robots
Black Metal jackassery of the highest order. You're douchebags, not robots! For the polar opposite of this offal, dig this modern classical take from Quintorigo that's reminiscent of the one by the Balanescu Quartet.
Kelly Osbourne - Two of Hearts
Don't f**k with Stacey, Jeezus! I mean, what's the point really?
/shakes head disapprovingly
For a more respectable remake, try Annie's, although it too is unnecessary.
