Last Updated on 12/02/2021
There is something so fascinating with the concept of the cover. To witness an artist lovingly create their own spin on a classic – or adapt and rework melodies and lyrics into their own distinctive sound – is a testament to the longevity and universal love that music can evoke.
Maybe it’s just me being philosophical, but I like to see covers as a way of studying the life cycle of a song; we have the original work – a whole sum of intricacies, inspirations, hooks, bridges, and the rest.
We then have the cover – a take on the above, with an added layer of distinct personality. To think that somebody was so taken with a piece of music that they wanted to make it their own is nothing short of beguiling.
This is Under the Covers – where I take you through my favourite covers of all time. Whether little-known gems or iconic reworkings, I hope that this series conveys my love of music influences and their sheer power.
“In many ways, they’ll miss the good old days…”
The first cover I wanted to feature transforms a raucous, nostalgic indie stomper into a slow, drowsy reflective piece.
It’s Julia Jacklin’s cover of The Strokes’ ‘Someday’.
Admittedly, I first heard this cover around a month ago, and it’s the first time I’d ever heard of Julia Jacklin. However, from the very first listen I was absolutely transfixed.
Hailing from Australia – with the same sun-soaked, soulful folksy twinge that indie duo Angus and Julia Stone bring to the table in their earlier work – Jacklin released her debut Don’t Let the Kids Win in 2016, with her follow-up Crushing being released in 2019. The latter has been described by the likes of Pitchfork as “mining failed relationships for self-discovery”.
This melancholic, yet mellow, self-discovery is something that shines in Jacklin’s cover.
But first, let’s explore the track that started it all.
The Strokes
Released as the third single on their riotous 2001 debut Is This It, ‘Someday’ is a glorious tune.
Upbeat, iconic – unmistakeable.
I struggle to think of a song that elicits a bigger grin on my face in the first 5 seconds. As soon as that distinct drum beat kicks in, followed by the simplicity of the opening guitar, I know exactly what I’m about to feel.
In an interview with CMJ New Music Monthly, Is This It was described by the band’s guitarist Nick Valensi as taking a “no gimmicks, no tricks” approach; this is certainly evident of ‘Someday’. In its 3 minute, 7 second duration, its simple, repetitive melody – combined with its punchy beats – truly makes for the imperfect, authentic rawness synonymous with The Strokes’ garage rock sound.
As we progress to the lyrics, this is where the resonance of the song truly lies for me – it’s all about nostalgia. As Julian Casablancas croons “when we was young, oh man, did we have fun”, I’m taken back to being 15 and walking to art class. The Strokes were one of the first ‘indie’ bands I truly loved as a teen, when I was dipping my toes into different genres (read: discovering Joy Division and thinking I was cool).
This is exactly why the first 5 seconds elicit that massive grin; it will always remind me of a distinct time in my adolescence. The punchy beat and fun melody reminds me of that teenager who, like the song, was raw and unrefined. No gimmicks, no tricks.
Julia Jacklin
The beauty, however, of Jacklin’s cover is that it feels as though the song and its meanings have evolved with me.
First recorded as part of triple j’s Like a Version series, Jacklin’s cover strips down the energy of the original track into a slower-paced, drowsy listen.
To me, her beautifully light vocals are reminiscent of the likes of some of the most established female indie acts, such as Feist, Sharon Van Etten, and Angel Olsen. Instilling her cover with an array of delicate vocal riffs and “oh”s, her take on ‘Someday’ is a comforting and welcome change.
In a way, this cover feels somewhat more mature than the original, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the song’s meaning.
Whilst Casablancas and co. lament in the original track that they’ll “miss the good old days”, signifying a feeling of moving on and growing up, the song itself still feels somewhat adolescent, with its punchy beats and catchy riffs.
In contrast, Jacklin’s slower-paced, introspective take on the track feels mature.
Both songs show nostalgia, sure, but they feel like they’re longing for different things.
The Verdict?
Comparing The Strokes with Julia Jacklin, ‘Someday’ feels almost as though it’s grown with me. The Strokes’ original track is reminiscent of my naïve youth, whilst Jacklin’s cover perfectly soundtracks the more emotionally mature reflections I’m starting to develop – and I’m sure I’ll continue to develop into my twenties.
Jacklin’s take on ‘Someday’ really does reflect Pitchfork’s comments about her latest work, that she mines the shortcomings of relationships past in order to reflect on her own self-discovery. Maybe I’ll find myself doing the same.
Ultimately, the cover has given me a renewed appreciation for the original track – and isn’t that the beauty of covers anyway?
We are so pleased to have Amie give her amazing perspective on music. If you’re now in the covers kind of mood – and why wouldn’t you be – she’s also shared with us an amazing playlist full of tracks that may at some point also feature in the new and exciting Under the Covers series. Check it out!
