Good Cover Version: Generationals Does The Pretenders

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.

Maybe the best covers are done when bands cover songs by their favorite bands. Says Grant Widmer, "I try not to get too hung up on heroes but I make an exception for Chrissie Hynde. I think she's the best. She is my favorite lyricist ever." So it's only fitting for Widmer's Generationals to record their own version of one of the earliest and most wonderful songs The Pretenders ever did - "Kid."

The Generationals version is a slow burner, a John Hughes-worthy crush of a song. As tremulous as stumbling over words when spilling your heart, the guitar strums and synthy beats coil with skillful sinuousness. It's a very tender tribute to this timeless treasure.

[posted 11.17.18]