There are two opposing camps regarding covers: one accepts covers as reinterpretations or recontextualizations of songs, famous or not. The other camp treats all covers as cheap cash ins.

I think it’s a case per case basis. And even then, the cheap cash ins can work, even if they are as cynical as Weezer’s Teal Album (which I listen to regularly).

When I bought all 4 tomes of Thrice’s Alchemy Index, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Yes, I bought them for the packaging. I had no idea of what the band sounded like and the first EP I heard from the collection was Air. Then Fire. Then Water. Earth I left until the end and for a while, it was the runt of the litter. Except for one track, I thought these acoustic tracks were okay but nothing to write home about. In time they grew on me.

The one track that you probably guessed I loved from the get go was Thrice’s cover of The Earth isn’t humming. The acoustic version keeps the uncertain, almost panic attack spirit of the original while still delivering Thrice’s signature sound.

Thanks to Thrice, I fell in love with Frodus, a band that sadly will never get the recognition it deserves. I’ll write about them as soon as I can.

In the meantime, enjoy your friday, enjoy your family and your friends, and lose yourself into the warm acoustic cover of The Earth isn’t humming.

-Sam J. Valdés López