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Video: The Civil Wars Cover Billie Jean At Twist & Shout

Screencap from youtube.com of the Civil Wars at Twist & Shout
youtube.com

Last week's Civil Wars' show at the Ogden was preceded by a live appearance at Twist & Shout records. This video also "...Be Startin' Somethin'": Who has the best Michael Jackson cover?

You'll forgive the previous pun, but these are usually arguments I have with myself or with a select group of like minded music friends. Michael Jackson's legacy as the King of Pop and one of the lasting musical artists of our time probably won't be topped. Those reasons alone are why he is a frequent target of covers.

http://youtu.be/sILFU1QaUxI

The Civil Wars have of course done this cover of "Billie Jean" before, it is a crowd pleaser after all. Colorado has experienced it at eTown and at the Folks Fest. Fans like Michael Jackson covers. Which begs the question though, where does this fit amongst other covers of Michael Jackson?

You're still going to have a hard time convincing me that Pomplamoose's cover of "Beat It" isn't the greatest thing since sliced bread:

http://youtu.be/meT2eqgDjiM

A few other notable covers in no particular order:

  • Alien Ant Farm - "Smooth Criminal"
    On my list because in the video this band pays tribute to the 'lean' from the original.
  • Chris Cornell - "Billie Jean"
    Just as haunting, and maybe even more emotional, than The Civil Wars' cover.
  • KT Tunstall - "I Want You Back"  (Jackson 5 cover)
    Maybe not an explicit MJ cover, but you have to giver her credit for the solo performance here.

Your turn now: Where does this fit in your list of Michael Jackson covers? Or is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

I’m not a Colorado native (did you know that "I'm from Missouri" means "I'm skeptical of the matter and not easily convinced?") but I have lived here for most of my life and couldn't imagine leaving. After graduating from Colorado State University, I did what everyone wants to do; I moved to the mountains and skied, hiked, and hid from responsibility! Our listeners in the mountains may know me from my time in Steamboat Springs and Vail or as the voice of the Battle Mountain Huskies Hockey team in Vail.
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