Jon Auer
6 1/2
Pattern 25
Jon Auer, whose name should ring bells across the land for Posies and Big Star fans, lays bare some of his tastes on this EP of six and a half covers. The half seems to be the opening instrumental rendition of “Bonnie & Clyde” – I guesss points are taken off for the lack of vocals.
Beyond Serge Gainsbour, the rest of the album shows some interesting choices: The Chameleons UK’s “Tears,” Swervedriver’s “These Times,” Ween’s “Baby Bitch,” Husker Du’s “Green Eyes,” The Psychedelic Furs’ “Love My Way,” and Madonna’s “Beautiful Stranger.”
Most of the treatments are straightforward, which sometimes results in interesting reworks (“Beautiful Stranger”) or similar takes (“Baby Bitch”). Auer’s pop sensibilities shine out more on his selections than his renditions; nonetheless, it’s still a pretty good collection of songs and interpretations.
Pattern 25 Records; http://www.pattern25.com