I have an affinity for cover songs. I like the way they make me hear the same music in a new way, help me to appreciate the person singing them and just add a bit of flavor to a played out song. Of course, there are also a lot of bad cover songs, which you can read all about here, but I’m feeling extraordinarily generous today, probably due to the more than 5 hours of sleep I got and the fact that Los Angeles doesn’t feel like the surface of the sun at the moment, so let’s concentrate on the good.

© Bird and the Bee

• The Bird and the Bee – Don’t Stop the Music

This isn’t the first time Rihanna’s songs have received the cover treatment; Mandy Moore came out an infectious version of her hit “Umbrella” (ella, ella, ella) a while back, but its amazing what Don’t Stop the Music sounds like without the heavy beats and typical pop-infused background music.

• Zee Avi – First of the Gang

I’ve written about how much I love Zee Avi before, but the fact that she’s covered a Morrissey song and given it an entirely new flavor, makes her solid in my book.

• Nouvelle Vague – Our Lips are Sealed

Nouvelle Vague is known for their covers and this Go-Go’s classic is on their 3rd album, simply titled “3.” Maybe it’s the fact that I’m partial to 80s female pop singers and groups, or that this version doesn’t sound so brash, but rather allows you to just melt down with it – this is especially nice when you’re dealing with miles and miles of traffic.

• Adele – Last Nite

Oh Adele. What can I say about you that I haven’t already. In short, I love your music. If I ever have the guts to sing or write songs, I imagine that I would sound a lot like you. The thing about Adele is that there is absolutely no difference in listening to her pre-recorded album songs and seeing her live – she is the same, meaning she’s amazing, either way. Her voice has this rare quality that I just can’t put my finger on, and it manages to turn this Strokes song into something more than extraordinary.

© Merge Records

• She & Him -  Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want

I like Zooey Deschanel. A lot. I’m starting to like M Ward a lot. Together as She & Him, I’d say they’re pretty cool, especially when they’re covering The Smiths for such a delightful and quirky film as 500 Days of Summer, which you must see – put down the remote and stop watching VH1 and get yourself to a theatre, you won’t regret it.

• Morrissey – Moon River

I don’t think I really need to explain this one – anytime you combine two of my favorite things – Morrissey and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you know I’m sold. Morrissey’s voice has so much longing, so much sadness in this song, that I can’t help but love it.

• Les Nubians – Tabou (Roots Remix)

Again, two of my favorite things – smooth melodies from Les Nubians, coupled with a Sade song, in French! All I need is a warm breeze and tea lights and the mood seems perfect.

Clearly, this list is incomplete and ends at an odd number, so forgive me. I’m sure I’ll be back with more, but for now, I’d love to hear some suggestions.