Day and Night Digital | Irish Independent

What’s going on? It seems everyone is trying to get a slice of the Nashville boys popularity by covering their songs lately. Here we chart the best and very worst of them:

1. Tina Cousins - Sex on Fire (9/10)

This is the most polarising version by far. It’s either genius or pap. We can’t decide so it gets a solid 9. Ooh listen to that drama.
Favourite moment: 0:48 - when the BEAT kicks in. Kings of Leon do Europop.

2. Lemar - Sex on Fire (Rating: 3/10)

Lemar’s been covering the song on his tour. A sexified if rather pointless version.
Favourite moment: 0:40 - The Jesus pose combined with the chorus to disguise the fact he can’t reach the notes.

3. Bat for Lashes - Use Somebody (Rating: 8/10)

Recorded at a Radio One session, Natasha Khan’s voice matches the sense of loneliness at the very least.
Favourite moment: 1:14 - Khan accentuates the “Ohh Ohhs” with a howl of loneliness.

4. Youtube user Bazzap187 - Use Somebody (Rating: 7/10)

Youtube covers are always either hit or miss (but mostly miss) but this one actually sounds pretty good.
Favourite moment: 1:28 - The reverb on the backing vocals. A nice touch.

5. Pixie Lott - Use Somebody (Rating: 7/10)

18 year old London girl of the moment shows off her vocal chords. She overdoes it a little bit, X-Factor style.
Favourite moment: 1:14 - Watch that mouth gesticulate like only good singer can.

6. Friendly Fires - Use Somebody (Rating: 7/10)

Indie disco-pop’s best band gives the song a bit of percussive flair.
Favourite moment: 2:22 - The drum and possibly theremin (??) freakout.

Winner: 7. Lykke Li - Knocked Up (Rating: 9/10)

The Swedish popstress slays them all with a little help from her producer’s new arrangement. Hands down winner.
Favourite moment: 0:46 - Adding Caleb’s original vocal as backing makes this a winning duet.