Charles Caleb Colton was an English cleric, writer, and all-around eccentric; but what he’s known best for is penning the quote that made the art of imitation universally acceptable, "Imitation is the sincerest [form] of flattery". Colton made this claim in the early 1800s, but imitation has always been an element in the development of art and artists alike. The second cave drawer was probably thinking, ‘Susan has quite accurately depicted mammoths in ash-grey… but what if I took that ash-grey mammoth and added some elderberry-blue’. Imitation has kick-started the careers of many artists including legends like Michelangelo. Michelangelo forged the works of well-established sculptors so perfectly in his early years, that when the public found out the sculptures were not from established Roman sculptors but actually imitations from this young Michelangelo kid; it cemented his reputation as a master artist.

Today, it’s a little harder to get away with outright forgery, but imitation is still prevalent and an essential outlet for creativity. However, not all imitation is created equally. In a tongue-in-cheek imitation of his own, Oscar Wilde said “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness”. Some imitation certainly derives from a lack of talent or imagination, and therefore epitomizes mediocrity. Yet, there is other “imitators” who use the source material as a catalyst for their own artistic thoughts, and in doing so, produce something worthy of praise and appreciation.

Here at TheHalftimeSnack.com, we are going to rate and review cover songs in a reoccurring article called “Covering the Spread”. The chosen covers will be judged on their uniqueness (how creatively different they are from the original) and, more subjectively, whether the song is enjoyable. See the key below. I’m sure many readers will disagree with our thoughts and perspectives, but isn’t that essentially the purpose of art and opinion? Albus Dumbledore might have said it best, “… if you are holding out for universal popularity, I’m afraid you will be in this cabin for a very long time”. So, without further ado, the first cover song review…

The Cover Song Key. All songs are compared to the original and then judged on creativity and listenability.

The Song: This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)

Original Artist: Talking Heads - Released in 1983

One of the greatest love songs of all time (#16 overall on The Halftime Snack’s Greatest Love Songs list) from one of the best albums in the 80’s, Speaking in Tongues. The “Naïve Melody” refers to the guitar and bass playing the same basic rhythm throughout most of the song. This simplicity is often avoided by musicians, but here it adds to the untainted essence of the song. It is a love song that at times seems a little illogical and disconnected until that Eureka! moment when the artist (David Byrne in this case) is pleasantly surprised that despite the seemingly disconnectedness of moments, life and love has turned out well. But you don’t need to take my interpretation as the definitive source, especially when we have a breakdown of the song straight from the horse’s mouth.

“That's a love song made up almost completely of non sequiturs, phrases that may have a strong emotional resonance but don't have any narrative qualities. It's a real honest kind of love song. I don't think I've ever done a real love song before. Mine always had a sort of reservation, or a twist. I tried to write one that wasn't corny, that didn't sound stupid or lame the way many do. I think I succeeded; I was pretty happy with that.” - David Byrne

We are pretty happy with it too, and so are the countless bands and musicians who have covered it over the last 36 years.

Cover Artist: The Lumineers - Released in 2012

No matter your opinion of The Lumineers, the Americana folk/rock band based out of Denver did this song good! They turned a slow, sweet New Wave track into a slower, just as sweet acoustic-folk dilly. They stripped it down to the bones and then built it back up with some meaty acoustic guitar, a blood-pumping kick drum, and finally coated it with the tangy-sweet voice of lead vocalist Wesley Schultz. The Lumineers took a risk altering a song so dramatically, but boy did it pay off. They get top points for creativity and top points for listenability.

Cover Artist: Sure Sure - Released in 2018

If you don’t know the “Art Pop” band Sure Sure yet, it’s time you get acquainted. They have an easy energy about them similar to other indie favorites like Vampire Weekend, Young the Giant, and Grizzly Bear. Their covering of This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) comes as no surprise. It’s evident they have been influenced greatly by New Wave bands like The Cars, Tears for Fears, and of course the Talking Heads. This cover amps up the synth a bit and adds some nice harmonizing, but for the most part stays pretty true to form. Sure Sure sound great and the song is just as fun as it ever was. They lack a few points for creativity but receive top points for listenability.