Post-punk legends pay tribute.
New Jersey post-punk pioneers The Feelies return with Cover Me, a nine-track album composed entirely of cover songs. Formed in 1976 and celebrated for their role in shaping indie rock throughout the 1980s, the band now turns their attention to the music that influenced them. With selections ranging from Neil Young to the Beatles, the record reflects both technical precision and clear admiration for their influences.
The album opens with “Dancing Barefoot,” originally by Patti Smith. Acoustic strumming sets the tone before electric guitar and drums kick in. It’s a warm, guitar-driven track with rich vocals and distinctive solo work. “Barstool Blues” follows with steady percussion and layered electric guitars. The song showcases a higher vocal range and maintains the album’s relaxed but energized feel.
“She Said, She Said” introduces a punk edge to the Beatles’ original. The Feelies lean into the track’s rhythmic potential with driving drums and rising energy, adding urgency to a once-mellow classic. “Seven Days,” a Bob Dylan cover, offers a more subdued moment. While electric guitar is still featured prominently, the instrumentation is lighter, allowing the Dylan-inspired vocals to take the lead.
The band shifts gears again on “Take It As It Comes.” With driving strums, active riffs and layered solos, it’s a fast-paced, guitar-heavy track that mirrors the original spirit of The Doors while injecting their signature sound. Their take on “Paint It Black” is technically clean and faithful to the Rolling Stones’ version. While it doesn’t break new ground, it delivers sharp instrumentation and solid vocals.
The energy spikes again on “Everybody’s Got Something To Hide (Except Me And My Monkey).” Fast guitar strums, a ringing bell and clattering percussion bring a punk twist to the Lennon-McCartney track. Distorted guitars and fast-paced drums create one of the most distinctive reworkings on the album.
“I Wanna Sleep In Your Arms,” originally by Iggy Pop and Jonathan Richman, features upbeat strumming and vocal harmonies. Its stripped-down style keeps the arrangement light but energetic. The closing track, “Sedan Delivery,” returns to Neil Young with crunching electric guitars and shifting tempos between verse and chorus. A slower, melodic solo closes out the record with balance and weight.
Across Cover Me, The Feelies offer a sharp, guitar-focused collection that nods to their roots while making room for their own sound. Though some tracks stick close to the originals, others veer into reinterpretation, especially where punk and alternative influences shine through. The album stands as a thoughtful tribute that reaffirms the band’s place in the broader rock tradition.
Leave a Comment