After the
success of the 'In the Aeroplane Over the Sea' covers chart we thought we’d undertake
a similar research project into the copious amounts of cover versions of Bright
Eyes’ camp-acoustic classic. The standard is high and the competition fierce,
so who has produced the best DIY cover version of Connor’s premier masterpiece?
15. DeluxnDotCom
He’s
wholesome, he’s got a lovely tank top and he’s just sneaked in at number
fifteen above the other hundreds of hopefuls. Great personality, passion and
delivery.
14.
Melanyrachel
An
interesting twist to record in the bathroom, but it gives this version an
originality and quirkiness missing on so many of the other cover versions we’ve
endured. A lovely voice and great enthusiasm rocketed this up the chart to
number 14.
13. Orla
Gartland
Great ironic
facial expressions and quirky deliver made this a big favourite with several
judges. Fantastic uke action and she’s really made the song her own. And she's one of the ginger nation too. We’ve
possibly been a little harsh putting her at number 13, but unlucky for Orla.
12. Hayley
Barnes
Quality vocal
style and unique delivery made this a huge success with the panel. A life
affirming take on the Bright Eyes template.
11. Vanessa
Ramstack
A perfectly
balanced package of voice, personality and musicality elevated this version to
the brink of the top ten. Caused much debate as to whether it was recorded on a
canal boat.
10. Michael
Stec
Aggressive,
upbeat and sung with a bit of a swagger. We loved the bold guitar style and
sense of gusto on this version.
She may be a
little raspy, but this is still a cracking version performed with a passion and
sincerity so often missing from the hundreds that didn’t make the top fifteen.
She has an album on i-tunes – does this mean she’s a proper pop star?
8. Chelsie
Tyrell
It always
pays to be a little different and the piano certainly made this version stand
out. A big voice from such a young singer and delivered with real emotion.
7. Make Rad
Music (Sarah and Vans)
An engaging
homemade quality and youthful exuberance made this an instant hit with the
judges. The contrast between their voices is a lovely touch and made this
version unique and memorable.
6. TrustJess
The only
singer to feature in the ‘Into the Aeroplane’ chart as well as this one!
Trustjess is back with the trademark professionalism and the syrupy voice that
lends itself so well to the folky genre. We liked it a lot.
5. James
Murray
Technically
one of the best and a contender for number one, but a lack of support from a
single judge cost James dearly. Lovely lilting voice and laidback delivery.
4. John Pan
The voice is
so unexpected. It’s bold, strong and basey and tinged with a touch of country
and western. Another contender that just fell short of greatness.
3. Trumpets
Homesy, fun
and laid back. We loved the combination of voices and the child playing in the
background is a lovely touch. Maybe more songs need to be recorded on settees.
The final note at the end is a work of genius! Easily the cutest version.
2. Mathieu
Nouvelle Star
A technical
master class combined with subtle, mellow vocals meant that this version nearly
went all the way to number one. One of the few that was almost as good as the
original.
1. Ben Owen
A triumph for
personality and quirkiness over technical ability, but what a version! Classic
Uke playing and a voice that combines the natural emotion and passion that
resides in the North of England. Congratulations Ben – a fantastic piece of
work!
So that wraps up hours and hours of trudging through
rubbish versions of the song to find fifteen gems. If any of the musicians in
the chart fancy doing an interview and linking to some of their other work then
leave a comment and we’d love to feature you!
