Jesse Lacey / Kevin Devine Devinyl Split 6

Over the past year or so Bad Timing Records has been releasing singles from its Devinyl Splits Project, they have now reached the sixth and final instalment in this volume. Kevin Devine has been present on each of these releases and in this latest offering he is matched with Jesse Lacey, of Brand New and formerly of Taking Back Sunday. On this release both artists contribute a cover version of a well known R.E.M. track.

In both cases these are acoustic covers of the songs, Jesse Lacey has covered Bad Day and Kevin Devine has taken on Imitation of Life. Both artists are clearly heavily influenced by Michael Stipe‘s song writing and delivery and this release comes across as something of a lover letter to Mr. Stipe. I’m of the opinion if you’re going to do a cover version then you should stamp your own identity onto it, there are countless examples of punk and indie bands who have taken a well known song and performed it in their own style, but this isn’t one of them. Whilst both tracks on this release are perfectly listenable cover versions neither brings anything new to the table, and I’m left wondering what the point is as the original songs are better and easily available.

Having said that, this will go down well with fans of the indie folk scene and R.E.M.  but personally I think if you want these songs I’d probably recommend buying the R.E.M. compilation In Time that contains the original versions.

The ltd edition Devinyl Splits single can be ordered here.