Gotcha Covered

Some people think cover albums are cheesy, or an otherwise cheap and unimaginative substitute for a "real" album, but I rather like them. It can sometimes be interesting to hear our favorite artists' interpretations of other artists' songs -- and sometimes these are the songs that inspired the artist in their youth. Or they force the artist to step out of their usual genre of music, and that can make for an even more interesting listen. Here's a countdown of my five favorite cover albums. They're definitely not the "all-time best ever released", since I can only choose from the dozen or so that are in my collection, so don't blow a gasket.

Honorable mention -- Eran James: "Reviewing The Situation" -- This handsome Australian singer isn't even out of his teens yet, but carries a seriously skilled, soulful voice, that is perfectly suited for this wide range of songs from the likes of the Isley Brothers, John Lennon, Al Green, Bill Withers, James Brown and Lenny Kravitz. He even throws an original tune in for good measure. It's an Aussie import, but if you like good singing, go find it.

#5 -- Queen Latifah: "The Dana Owens Album" -- I'm not a fan of rap, and I don't own any of her rap albums, but there's something I've always liked about Queen Latifah. She's a pretty lady, a fine actress ... and now she amazes me again with a gorgeous singing voice! Proudly putting her birth name on this excellent album of mostly Great American Songbook staples, backed with a full orchestra, the Queen absolutely shines.

#4 -- Paul Anka: "Rock Swings" -- In anyone else's hands, a collection of '70s and '80s rock and pop hits done in a Vegas-lounge style would have sounded bland and dopey. Who'd have thought that "Jump" by Van Halen, "Eyes Without a Face" by Billy Idol, "Eye of The Tiger" by Survivor, or even Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" would translate so well into swing? Obviously, Mr. Anka did.

#3 -- Lea deLaria: "Double Standards" -- A ferociously funny stand-up comedienne who looks like a bulldyke (and will proudly tell you that she is one), Lea deLaria's smooth and sultry voice could have knocked me over with a feather the first time I'd heard it. She puts a fun and jazzy twist on Top 40 hits from the last few decades (made famous by Jane's Addiction, Blondie, No Doubt, The Doors, Green Day and others) that makes for a thoroughly fun listen.

#2 -- Human Nature: "Reach Out: The Motown Record" -- I like Motown no matter who's singing it, and this Australian boyband, while they don't do the absolute best job imaginable, acquit themselves more than adequately on this set of twelve '50s and '60s classics. Not surprisingly, the fans enjoyed this album so much that the band released a follow-up disc ("Dancing In The Street: The Songs of Motown II") a year later.

#1 -- Huey Lewis and The News: "Four Chords and Several Years Ago" -- Not only is that a great title, but the whole album is more rollicking good fun than a five-inch-round piece of plastic should be allowed to hold. Huey and the guys take a trip back to the classic rock-and-roll tunes of the '50s, and it sounds like they know they're doing it better than just about anyone else could. My favorite: "Mother In Law", featuring the inimitable Dr. John on guest vocals.