Good Cover Version: Builder of The House Does Elvis

Pulp gave the world the song "Bad Cover Version." But seeing as I'm a sonic optimist, I'm of the belief that there's more likely than not more good cover versions floating around than bad ones. Good Cover Version celebrates the good, and leaves all that bad and ugly stuff alone.

While it's true that "Blue Christmas" wasn't just an Elvis song, I feel confident saying the King of Rock & Roll is the one who we all think of when we think of the song. It's his (but well done Hayes and Johnson for writing it in the first place). This year, along comes Builder of The House to try a new spin on the standard, and the duo from Portland (Maine) does a fine job incorporating some of 50s-inspired sounds with their brand of folksiness. Strong guest vocals from Robyn Adele Anderson help give the song an air of the back-and-forth country heartbreak songs of days of yore. Elvis will always own the song, but I think this one's a solid cover.    



[posted 12.17.16]