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The band tell us about their favourite cover versions as they return to play their first gigs in two years
North East indie-shoegaze outfit, Parallax Skies bring their alt-eighties inspired sound back to the stage after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus. The band are set to play at Bobiks, Newcastle on Saturday 20th November (supporting Human Holiday) and then their own headline show next month on Friday 10th December at Tynemouth Social Club.
Here, the band tells us about their top five cover songs….
Andy (Vocals & Guitar): Nell Smith – Girl in Amber (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds)
So when I found out that a 13 year old fan had collaborated with the Flaming Lips to cover the lead single from the Bad Seeds’ critically acclaimed Skeleton Tree, I had horrific visions of a total butchering of one of my favourite songs. How wrong I was. This is such a brilliant reimagining – full of classic Lips synth swooshes, clicks and harmonies, and layered guitar lines that felt like they were written for, but forgotten from the original. Not disappointed.
Ian (Guitar): This Mortal Coil – Song to the Siren (Tim Buckley)
As much as I love Tim Buckley and his version of the song, the Cocteaus take it to a new dimension, with Liz Fraser sounding like an angel trying to entice the listener into another world. Popular at funerals.
George (Guitar): A New England – Kirsty MacColl (Billy Bragg)
There are loads of brilliant covers, but this one takes the original and makes it so good that Billy Bragg then went and wrote a couple more verses for Kirsty MacColl. Jangly guitars and a voice that can sound both sarcastic and vulnerable at the same time, make this a stunning feel-good-about-disappointment song.
Paul (Bass): Blur – Substitute (The Who)
Definitely one of my favourites, mainly as its sort of awful and great at the same time; recorded for a Who covers charity album around 1993, the band were hungover, in a huff with each other, refused to teach other the song, and kept fighting each other with the tempo. Absolute car crash, but punk, hilarious and fun at the same time.
Marty (Drums): The Twilight Sad – Keep Yourself Warm (Frightened Rabbit)
I saw James Graham belt this out, holding back the tears, as a stunning and emotional tribute to his late friend Scott Hutchison, just before covid lockdowns put a stop to such incredible moments. Pounding drums, massive guitars and as close to a spiritual experience this devout atheist has had at a gig. Not a dry eye in the house.
