Away with Murder - Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career - 2009

Despite their move away from Merge records (a decision I will never support) Camera Obscura continues to do what they do and do it very well. Mopey, girl-group inflected, Scottish accented pop. Traceyanne Campbell continues to have the lowest self esteem in the world, but that, along with a wonderfully forlorn voice, is how she works. This particular song adds nice little country touches like the organ and peddle steel, all of which work well to increase the sad-sack vibe.

Atlantic City - The Hold Steady - War Child: Heroes Vol I - 2009

The Hold Steady try an interesting approach to covering a song that, if you read my previous entry you'll know, I find near impossible to improve upon. They take what The Boss did with a guitar, harmonica and one hell of a killer hook...and perform it as if the song had been on Born In The USA with the full E-Street Band backing it up. There's the tinkling piano, the harmonic squelling guitar solo, the Jersey Shore sax that may very well be played by the Big Man, the female background singer to hammer home that hook, and synchopated stop to a chanted chorus before a big kick back in.

I may have my issues with The Hold Steady, and I certainly don't prefer this version, but I have to give them credit for turning what sounded dull on paper into a solid reinterpretation. Well played boys, well played.