Lead Belly/Nirvana - "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?"

Lead Belly
Legendary blues artist Lead Belly has been influential to many musicians for as long as popular music has been around. This song "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" is a traditional American folk song recorded by many artists and in a variety of styles. However, Lead Belly's version is probably the best remembered and more recently Nirvana took it to a new generation. The song was originally known as 'In The Pines" and also known as "Black Girl" but seems to have settled as "Where Did You Sleep Last Night".



Nirvana
Kurt Cobain played guitar on a version of this song recorded by Mark Lanegan in 1990 and performed it with Nirvana many times after that... the most famous of those performances was for the MTV Unplugged in New York series in 1993. Kurt Cobain had first heard the 1944 recording by Lead Belly and kept the Nirvana versions true to that. That complete unplugged performance was amazing and Kurt Cobain even managed to make cardigans cool again.

Johnny Cash - "One"

With U2 in NZ recently, maybe it's time to have one of their songs.... but not by them, of course. I first caught U2 live at the Logan Campbell Centre while they were touring the 'Unforgettable Fire" album and it was fantastic. However, years later at Western Springs, I was much less impressed and things were getting predictable and even superficial. So that was about the time I moved on (after the Joshua Tree album). It's funny, because my flatmate at the time of the 'Joshua Tree' album hated them and we had lots of debates about them and I couldn't understand why he could not see any merit. I don't think it was him that finally convinced me, but not too long after, I think I had just tired of them... and suddenly we were on the same wavelength. However, I am not saying they didn't do anything great since then. I just wasn't a member of the U2 record buying public anymore. I also admit "One" is a great song.... but when I got Johnny Cash's 'American iii' album and heard his version, I was completely blown away. His interpretation respects the original, but at the same time, he makes it his own.... unlike anyone else. I think Johnny cash was at his peak with this album, during his American Recordings (late career) period. Dark and beautiful.

Sherlock's Daughter - "Song For Old People"

Sydney band 'Sherlock's Daughter' are a very recent discovery here at Bitter and a surprisingly good one, I must say. A mix of indie rock, dream pop and whatever else you want to add. They have been spending a lot of time in New York and have played CMJ... which is where I first heard them, via a NPR podcast about the CMJ festival. "Song For Old People" is a dreamy harmony layered song with a driving bass and beats that aren't intrusive but keep it all together. Real nice.

KATCHAFIRE - "On The Road Again"

Katchafire have become a favourite live band in New Zealand over the years and it is quite appropriate that they are touring this summer to promote a new album. The first single just happens to be about Katchafire touring and coming to a town near you. Enjoy it at the next BBQ or party you go to over the summer. In fact, download it, put it on your flash drive and then there is no problem if the next BBQ or party doesn't have it, for whatever reason. Spread the Katchafire love around this summer.

Phoenix - "Lisztomania"

French band 'Phoenix' have been releasing great tunes for at least a decade now, but only became international indie rock stars in 2009 with their "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" album. Although, we at Bitter FM can say that we were early believers because we have been playing their 2001 single "If I Ever Feel Better" since we started. We weren't the only believers though, they were still quite popular and toured America well before this album, but this album really did put them on the map. "Lisztomania" was originally a description for the hysteria regarding the fans of Hungarian composer and piano virtuoso Franz Liszt from the 19th century. 'Phoenix' have a unique style of writing and constructing songs and they could possibly be described as modern day virtuosos themselves. Every time I hear this song I am always amazed how unconventional it is, but at the same time, how incredibly well constructed it is.... like, how the fuck did they do that?

FAMILY CACTUS - "KINGMAKER"

Wellington band 'Family Cactus' certainly left an impression on me after the very first time I heard "Kingmaker", which was a single from their debut album 'Come Howling' released last year. Great vocals, nice harmonies and oh, so catchy. Let's hope 'Family Cactus' are not one of New Zealand's best kept secrets for much longer.

My Morning Jacket - "Death Is The Easy Way"

Kentucky band 'My Morning Jacket' formed in the late 90's and by the early 2000's they were an emerging force, critically and with their live performances (they may even be partly responsible for the big beard trend over the last decade or so). They were building a loyal fan base, through constant touring and consistently good releases. Singer and songwriter Jim James has recently been part of 'The Monstors of Folk' side project and also released a 'George Harrison' tribute EP under 'Yim Yames'. "Death is the Easy Way" comes from their second album "From Dawn" and is listed on the CD as "Death is My Sleezy Pay" but correctly titled on the liner notes. The reverb soaked vocals are a Jim James trademark and add more goosebumps to the listening experience. 'My Morning Jacket' are best consumed alone.... so when everyone has gone home after your next BBQ, grab another bottle and sit back and enjoy some hauntingly great music. Either 'At Dawn' or 'Z' would be a good place to start.