9 Versions Of Music’s Most Summery Standard

1. This is “Summertime.”

Reasons you definitely love it:

– It was written by George Gershwin.
– This version, the most famous one as sung by Billie Holiday, is beyond golden.
– Have you ever made out to it?
– It’s the best season of the year personified.

Anyway, it’s a standard among musicians who want to try their vocal cords at its sweaty sultriness, and while some of their covers are whatever forever, a fair amount are phenomenal.

2. Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald

Perhaps the other most famous version of “Summertime” belongs to these two, and for good reason — it’s a goddamn gorgeous song, obviously.

3. R.E.M.

This was released as an exclusive single for the band’s fan club, but really should have made it to a proper LP. This era was also very good for them hair-wise, as you can see.

4. Norah Jones

Because you know that if a jazz standard exists, this woman is going to cover it at some point or another. Doye.

View this embed ›

This version is updated in the band’s signature faux-dub style. A warm-weather classic for stoned ninth graders everywhere.

6. Morcheeba

If you’re into Morcheeba’s brand of sexed-up trip-hop, you’ll find this cover works insanely well for those purposes.

7. Booker T and the MGs

As always, let’s bow to Booker T.

8. The Doors

These guys often riffed on the classic in their live shows, usually performing a short version between two other songs.

View this embed ›

Janis’s cover is as scratchy and soulful as you might expect. She and this song are a perfect fit for one another.

Read more: http://buzzfeed.com/verymuchso/9-versions-of-musics-most-summery-standard

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.