photo by S. Showalter (Philadelphia, PA)
Yes, this is how obsessive/nerdy a Strand of Oaks fan I am. I have to have it all, not just the album cuts, but the assorted rarities ‘n’oddities as well. In addition to the three albums, “Leave Ruin,” “Pope Killdragon” and “Dark Shores,” there’s a wealth of additional Strand of Oaks recordings scattered around the Internet, including this early demo version of “Pope Killdragon” and this early, all-synth version of the song “Spacestations” from the album “Dark Shores” (FYI- I think this version actually trumps the album version).
Most of the extra material online is made of quick (but still damn good) cover versions of other artists’ singles. Like I said, though, they’re scattered. Thus, for my own benefit (as well as the benefit of any other Strand of Oaks addicts out there who may stumble across this cruddy li’l blog), here’s a one-stop guide to all those covers, or at least all the ones I’m aware of at this time. When more are unveiled, they will be added to this blog post. Likewise, if there are any that you’re aware of that I might’ve missed, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment letting me know.
Thanks, and I hope this “guide” is a help to anyone and everyone with an interest in an awesome artist whose work, frankly, deserves this kind of single-minded fanboy fanaticism. Of course, that’s coming from a self-described devotee, so take my assertion with a grain of salt. (And, if you’re interested, check out my reviews of “Dark Shores” here, “Pope Killdragon” here and “Leave Ruin” here. C’mon, you know you want to.)
In any case, without further ado… enjoy!
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1) Song title: “Wolves”
Who it’s a cover of: Phosphorescent
Where you can hear it: The Key
Grade: A+
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2) Song title: “This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)”
Who it’s a cover of: The Talking Heads
Where you can hear it: When You Awake
Grade: B
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3) Song title: “Ohio”
Who it’s a cover of: Damien Jurado
Where you can hear it: HearYa
Grade: B+
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4) Song title: “Hymn #101”
Who it’s a cover of: Joe Pug
Where you can hear it: HearYa
Grade: C+
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5) Song title: “Used Cars”
Who it’s a cover of: Bruce Springsteen
Where you can hear it: HearYa
Grade: B-
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6) Song title: “When it’s Cold I’d Like to Die”
Who it’s a cover of: Moby
Where you can hear it: Aquarium Drunkard
Grade: A
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7) Song title: “Tea Song”
Who it’s a cover of: Michael Hurley
Where you can hear it: Aquarium Drunkard
Grade: A
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8) Song title: “Golden Age”
Who it’s a cover of: Beck
Where you can hear it: Fuel/Friends
Grade: B
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9) Song title: “Long Desert Train”
Who it’s a cover of: Jason Molina
Where you can hear it: Couch by Couchwest
Grade: B-
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10) Song title: “Atlantic City”
Who it’s a cover of: Bruce Springsteen
Where you can hear it: YouTube
Grade: A+
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PS> In addition to my reviews of “Leave Ruin,” “Pope Killdragon” and “Dark Shores” on this here blog, read my Weekender review of “Dark Shores” online here. And while you’re at it, read two articles I wrote about Strand of Oaks last year, one for the Weekender (NEPA’s leading arts & entertainment weekly) here and one for The Beacon (the Wilkes University student newspaper) here.
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