Monday, September 20, 2010

Review: Kurt Baker “Got It Covered” [EP]


As you might surmise from the title, the latest from Kurt Baker, “Got It Covered”, is an EP of cover tunes. With this effort, Baker does justice to seven wonderful tracks from the early 80s. You can feel Baker’s love for these songs and artists shining through in his respectful versions. Filled with upbeat and catchy song choices, the EP plays like a party and Baker has the vocals and attitude to match. “Got It Covered” is a jubilant ride down memory lane and a great introduction to Kurt Baker. He even dresses for the part!

Kurt Baker is a singer, songwriter and rock n’ roll performer from Portland, Maine who has always gone by the famous saying “Have a Good Time All the Time”. He was the founding member of the notable pop/punk outfit the Leftovers, who formed in 2002 and have released many acclaimed records and have toured all over the United States, Europe and Canada.

The seven tunes Baker takes on for this solo EP include: “Let Me Out” (The Knack), “Hanging On The Telephone” (Blondie), “Pump It Up” (Elvis Costello), “I’ve Done Everything For You” (Rick Springfield), “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” (Joe Jackson), “Cruel To Be Kind” (Nick Lowe) “Turning Japanese” (Vapors). It is hard not to like any of these, but I must say Baker’s version of “Let Me Out” and “Hanging On The Telephone” were especially enjoyable. The project also features guest appearances from Kay Hanley (Letters To Cleo) and Adam Marcello (Katy Parry).

Kurt Baker on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for “Hanging On The Telephone”:

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