Alternative Atmosphere’s Top 5 Isolation Sessions
If coronavirus thought it could restrict bands from doing what they love, it was wrong.
Whilst bands are isolating in their separate homes, they are coming together virtually to perform some of their best hits, and cover timeless tunes from renowned artists, such as The Beatles, ABBA and Tame Impala.
Lockdown restrictions cannot hold back the creativity of musicians either, as household items like spoons, pepper mills and bottles are effectively being used as instruments.
All of these recordings sound incredible so be sure to check them out.
Paperback Writer — Blossoms (The Beatles cover)
The first isolation session I saw was Blossoms’ cover of ‘Paperback Writer’. The Beatles classic lends itself so well to the band’s talents, and you will instantly want to watch it on repeat. Setting the standards incredibly high, the band recorded perfect harmonies and mimicked the relentless percussion to make the cover just like the original (watch out for the spoon). Blossoms have announced they will release an album of their isolation covers “later in the year on CD and vinyl”.
Mirrorball — Elbow
Elbow have recently recorded a perfect rendition of their mellow masterpiece, ‘Mirrorball’. Taken from the multi-platinum and Mercury Prize-winning album ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’, ‘Mirrorball’ exudes tenderness, serenity and love like no other track could. Enhanced by blissful string accompaniment, I admire this recording as the timing of the eight instruments fits together flawlessly. Elbow have uploaded a series of isolation sessions on their YouTube channel, including ‘Fugitive Motel’, ‘Magnificent (She Says)’, and ‘Great Expectations’.
Mamma Mia — Shambolics (ABBA cover)
We all need a good sing and dance to boost our positivity during this tough time. What better way to do that than sticking on your dancing shoes and have the feel-good fave ‘Mamma Mia’ blasting out of your speakers. Fife’s award-winning rock and roll band, Shambolics, have put their own spin on ABBA’s timeless bop, with their signature vocals and their use of Buckfast bottles to recreate the iconic refrain.
The Less I Know The Better — Blossoms and Miles Kane (Tame Impala cover)
If Blossoms’ isolation sessions weren’t good enough already, they exceeded expectations when they were joined by Liverpool’s legend Miles Kane. ‘The Less I Know The Better’ by Tame Impala becomes a loveable duet featuring Ogden’s smooth vocals and Kane’s strong soulful voice. If you’re a fan of infectious bass lines, harmonious dual vocals and dreamy synth pop, you will LOVE this cover.
You Know Me Too Well — Nothing But Thieves
Nothing But Thieves have been working hard to keep their fans entertained by releasing Solitude Sessions each week. Taken from their EP ‘What Did You Think When You Made Me This Way?’, ‘You Know Me Too Well’ showcases their unique alt-rock style. Watching their epic performance will make you pray for the band to tour again as soon as it is safe to do so. The band have also recorded Solitude Sessions for their latest single ‘Is Everybody Going Crazy?’, and fan favourite ‘Neon Brother’.
Honourable mentions:
- I Wanna Get Lost With You — Candid (Stereophonics cover)
- Fight On — The Lathums
- Oh My God (Stay At Home edit) — Kaiser Chiefs
- We Can Work It Out — The Ruby Tuesdays (The Beatles cover)
- The Look — Glass Caves (Metronomy cover)
- She Bangs The Drums — Candid (The Stone Roses cover)
This listicle was originally published on Alternative Atmosphere in 2020.
