Knife :: Grizzly Bear

Keeping on the "bear" theme I started last week with Panda Bear, I have selected a Grizzly Bear tune for today: "Knife". Roar!

The twist?

Today we have one song, four ways: one original, one upbeat electropop cover, one experimentally ambient cover, and one hip hop infused remix.

I love finding/seeing/hearing/experiencing reinterpretations of things I dig. Appropriation, darling! We all do it, and when done cleverly, it can be fun and exciting. It can also be horrifying. But these reinterpretations all made me really pleased.

Let's start at the beginning. Grizzly Bear is a band out of Brooklyn. Although they've been around for years, I was just formally introduced to them a few months ago. This song is off their album Yellow House (2006), passed to me by my dear friend Amy. I already knew "Knife"; it is kind of an ubiquitous track. But listening to it on the album, it struck me differently and has become one of my current favorites. Then, I came across the cover by CSS. Turns out that this cover is featured on Grizzly Bear's EP Friend (2007), along with another one by Atlas Sound. Two solid, band approved covers? Holy buckets. Then, I came across a remix by Girl Talk. Oh, Girl Talk! Girl Talk rocks me...and so does this remix.

Okay, without further adieu, let the journey begin! Though I'm tempted to indulge myself, I'm going to save you a lengthy analysis of each one. Explore the similarities, intersections, and digressions for yourself, and enjoy the trip.

Lyrics:
i want you to know
when i look in your eyes
with every blow
comes another lie

you think its alright
you think its alright
you think its alright
you think its alright

can't you feel the knife?
can't you feel the knife?
can't you feel the knife?
can't you feel the knife?

The original by Grizzly Bear:

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The cover by CSS:

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The cover by Atlas Sound (I can't really get enough of this one):

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The kickin' Girl Talk remix (love it! brilliant!):

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How much fun was that?

Sunshine, ponies, and lollipops,
Kim