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cover, single track, wildcard
Wildcard (week 2):
Wildcard (week 2):
‘t Hof Van Commerce – Ben Ier Weg
Belgium’s best hip hop crew doesn’t hide its love for Jo Lemaire’s 1981 hit Je Suis Venu Te Dire Que Je M’en Vais, but gives it a totally different twist than the Serge Gainsbourg-written original.
Ben Ier Weg (Flemish for ‘I’m outta here’) by ‘t Hof Van Commerce is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
More of the crew @ Carte Blanche Music
Follow ‘t Hof Van Commerce on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2026 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, single track, soundtrack, wildcard
Wildcard (week 19):
Wildcard (week 19):
King Princess – Dirty Work
Some artists’ repertoire is better left untouched. Steely Dan is one of them. Their music is perfect, so why bother trying to make it even better?
However, no rules without exceptions. Enter American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist King Princess (real name: Mikaela Mullaney Straus). She just released her own, show-stopping version of The Dan’s Dirty Work. It stays pretty true to the original, but her voice sounds a bit more tragic than David Palmer’s. All in all, it does full justice to the legacy of the song that was one of the highlights op Steely Dan’s 1972 album Can’t Buy A Thrill. A classic long-player, which also features their hits Reelin’ In The Years and Do It Again.
King Princess recorded her version for Season 3 of TV series ‘Hacks’. Hannah Einbinder, who stars in the series, is a good friend of Straus’ and asked her to record the track. It appears at the end of Episode 2, which was aired only last week. Being all about toxic relationships, Dirty Work goes well with the theme of the series.
While working on her third studio album, King Princess is also about to make her acting debut. She’s set to play in Season 2 of ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’, alongside Nicole Kidman, Christine Baranski, Dolly De Leon, Murray Bartlett, and Annie Murphy.
Dirty Work by King Princess is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow King Princess on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2024 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, single track, tribute, wildcard
Wildcard (week 52):
Wildcard (week 52):
The B-69s – Chop Suey!
Christmas is a time to spend with family, to reflect and contemplate. But now it’s time to bring fun back into our lives!
Dalton Deschain & The Traveling Show are a pulp-punk band from New York City. Formed in 2014, the band is known for dark but humorous experimental punk music, filled with pulpy lyrics about circus freaks, dark rituals, nuclear war, and demon possession. But HO HO HO, before you click away: I’d like to talk about another brainchild of Dalton Deschain, The B-69s. In this side project, he and singer-songwriter Jo Kroger cover modern pop songs (old and new) in the style of The B-52s. And believe me, that’s a treat!
Since their first release, in 2019, The B-69s covered the likes of The Killers, OutKast, Britney Spears, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and more. All of them unrecognisable versions. That is, only recognisable as The B-52s. The musical renditions are spot on and Deschain’s voice resembles Fred Schneider’s in an almost scary way. He doesn’t only sound the same, but he also mimics Schneider’s unmistakable singing style perfectly.
The B-69s’ new EP is called 1979 (Fred’s Version). It contains four new remakes; two of recent songs by Olivia Rodrigo (bad idea right?) and Doja Cat (Paint The Town Red), and two of true classics: Smash Mouth’s All Star and Chop Suey! by System Of A Down. The latter was one of the most epic rock songs of 2001. However, this tribute version, full of uplifting organs and handclaps, is a happy pop song. As long as you concentrate on the music, that is 😉. Like all of their previous covers, The B-69s’ interpretation of Chop Suey! ends with an interpolation of The B-52s’ Love Shack. Isn’t a full circle moment the best way to end the year?
Have a funny 2024 y’all!
The B-69s’ version of Chop Suey! is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow The B-69s on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, single track, wildcard
Wildcard (week 46):
Wildcard (week 46):
Peking Duk feat. Julia Stone – Fall At Your Feet [Triple J Like A Version]
‘Like A Version’ is a segment on Australian radio station Triple J. Every week a musician or band performs one of their own tunes and a cover of a song they love. The latter often ends up being a stunning and quite different take on a well-known song. This is a great example.
In March this year, Canberra natives Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles (a.k.a. Peking Duk) were invited back into the studio. They did their own song Spend It, originally featuring Circa Waves, with guest vocals from upcoming Aussie singer Dean Brady. However, the session will forever be reminded for their stunning version of Crowded House’s Fall At Your Feet. Who would’ve thought this beautiful track could be transformed into a sure-fire floor-filler? That’s exactly what Peking Duk did, with help from Julia Stone (of Big Jet Plane fame) and Dean Brady.
True to their party-vibe style, the dynamic duo and their well-chosen guests delivered an anthemic and rousing cover of the 1991 classic. Adding bright synths, a booming beat and energy-drenched group vocals in the chorus, they created a classic of their own. Eight months after the recording session, this version is now released as a single by popular demand.
Peking Duk & Julia Stone’s interpretation of Fall At Your Feet is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow Peking Duk on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
Follow Julia Stone on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, single track
Bernadett Nyari – Palladio
Bernadett Nyari – Palladio
*SONG SNACK*
Virtuosically played, this rendition of Palladio aims to empower women in the music industry.
Follow Bernadett Nyari on Spotify
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, remake, single track
Baker Boy feat. Bernard Fanning – Wish You Well
Baker Boy feat. Bernard Fanning – Wish You Well
*SONG SNACK*
Danzal Baker updates former Powderfinger front man’s 2005 classic with help from the man himself.
Follow Baker Boy on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Follow Bernard Fanning on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, single track
Alex Lahey – This Kiss
Alex Lahey – This Kiss
When Faith Hill released This Kiss, back in 1998, I didn’t particularly like it. Country pop just wasn’t the music I was into at the time. Looking back however, I must admit it’s a great tune. One of the characteristics of a good composition is the fact it holds firm, also when recorded in a totally different genre.
Enter Alex Lahey…
For Women’s History Month 2021, she turned the track into a fuzzed-out indie rock song. This version still possesses the original’s country twang, but it ups the distortion a few notches. Lahey said she’d had the idea for the arrangement for years. “Two key changes, that iconic chorus, a million vocal harmonies – what more could you want?”, she said.
Recorded as an exclusive ‘Amazon Original’ last year, it’s now finally available on all streaming platforms.
Recommended as well:
Isabella
I Love You Like A Brother
Lotto In Reverse / I Haven’t Been Taking Care Of Myself
You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me
Follow Alex Lahey on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, single track
Alessia Cara & The Warning – Enter Sandman
Alongside the 30th Anniversary Edition of their self-titled ‘black album’, Metallica released The Metallica Blacklist. This 4-CD set contains covers of black album tracks by artists like Juanes, Weezer, Sam Fender, Royal Blood, Biffy Clyro, J. Balvin, Chase & Status, Volbeat and Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan. Some of these are truly awful, but don’t take my word for it. You could better tempt you ears yourself…
Meanwhile, some of them are really good as well. I was rather charmed by Miley Cyrus, Watt, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujilo & Chad Smith’s version of Nothing Else Matters, for instance. The cover album’s opener is equally strong. The first track you’ll hear when you put it on, is Enter Sandman by Alessia Cara & The Warning. No way you’ll fall asleep to this one. Although the epic guitar hook is unmistakable, the ladies give the well-known hit their own spin. Alessia Cara fans especially should brace themselves. Throughout, the track is very well sung.
Just in case you didn’t know: The Warning are three sisters from Monterrey, México. Daniela Villarreal plays the guitar and shares the lead vocals with Cara, while drummer Paulina Villarreal and bass player Alejandra Villarreal both provide backing vocals as well. All four of the artists will donate their portion to Save The Children. A job well done in more ways than one.
Follow Alessia Cara on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Follow The Warning on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, single track
Wavves – Sinking Feeling
It doesn’t happen often, nowadays, that a band leaves a gap of a few years between releases. Nathan Williams’s project Wavves just did 😉.
His latest album You’re Welcome dates from 2017. A few one-off singles followed, but then, things went quiet. Until now, for Wavves are back with Sinking Feeling. A far cry from the punky rock songs the band produced earlier, this is a track with summer vibes. The acoustic guitars, that alternate with electric surf guitar notes, give it a relaxed feel. It hasn’t always sounded this way however. The original version, released in 2014 by the band’s guitarist Alex Gatez, was a way more trippy affair.
“Sinking Feeling is a song about a wave of depression that keeps coming back”, Nathan Williams said in a statement. “It’s that sinking feeling that drags you down and no matter what you do or where you go it follows you.”
The track was produced by TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek.
Follow Wavves on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
cover, single track
Hedda Mae – Sitting Down Here (De Neste)
Hedda Mae – Sitting Down Here (De Neste)
Emerging future pop star Hedda Mae hasn’t really broken out of her home country Norway yet, but you’d better keep an eye on her. She and her co-writer and producer Benjamin Giørtz (Tiësto, Betty Who) are a great tandem. He creates songs with a nu-disco flavour, while her youthful performance makes them sound extra fresh.
The singer, whose real name is Hedda Aalvik Grønhaug, will put out her second EP of original material later this year. First single Take It Or Leave It was released earlier this year. As a side project, Hedda Mae contributed to Norwegian TV show De Neste (‘the next’). For the programme, she recorded two covers of Norwegian classics: Jaa9 & OnkleP’s Glir Forbi, and Lene Marlin’s finest moment Sitting Down Here. The latter was a pan-European hit in 1999.
On behalf of the TV show, Giørtz produced and arranged a modern version, full of his trademark ‘80s influences. It goes down very well with the original composition and could make the song a hit all over again. I think the current generation will love this Kylie Minogue-like take on Sitting Down Here.
Recommended as well:
Hedda Mae – Madness
Follow Hedda Mae on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
