I have the best readers ever. Within minutes after making my New Year’s Eve Rilo Kiley post, my inbox was flooded with mp3s of RK covering other artists. So thanks to everyone who emailed me songs. I left a couple of the minor ones – like Blake singing songs Jenny usually sings – off for server space reasons; but I think this is still a good bunch.

As you listen to these, I want you to think about this: who does the better cover singing? Jenny or Blake?

MP3: Rilo Kiley – Such Great Heights (Postal Service cover)
I was ready to hate this song. Not because I’m a Postal Service fan (I’m not), but more because it sounded like a strange pairing. After all, neither Gibbard’s version nor I&W’s particularly lend themselves to RK’s style. They sure shut me up. It’s a somewhat more peppy version, but I can’t help but smile when I hear it.

MP3: Rilo Kiley – After Hours (Velvet Underground cover)
My friend Jordan would kill me if he heard me say this, but I’ve never heard the original version. Now that I’ve yet again committed indie suicide, let me also confess that I’m loving this version. It’s well arranged and RK manage to competely adapt the song to their style. I’m starting to think that they might do the best covers of any band currently out there.

MP3: Rilo Kiley – Rock and Roll Suicide (David Bowie cover)
If you asked me to name my favorite Bowie tunes, I’d most likely accidently leave this off the list. I always forget the gradual build-up and overall power that the song has. Dear God, remember the shivers you got the first time you heard Bowie scream ‘You’re not alone’? Well while RK do a fantastic job with the instrumentation and vocals, I can’t overlook the fact that their version is to Bowie’s what a photograph is to the actual event. It’s more of a nostalgic throwback that can’t quite capture the emotion. Worth having nonetheless.

MP3: Rilo Kiley – The Biggest Lie (Elliott Smith cover)
Covering Elliott Smith is risky business. His fans are notorious for being critical of anyone who attempts to tackle Elliott’s heartfelt songs (just ask Crosstide). However, Rilo Kiley honestly don’t do that bad of a job at their cover. Instrumentally, they keep it pretty bare, and I think that works for them.

MP3: Rilo Kiley – Woman is the Nigger of the World (John Lennon cover)
Woah. I wasn’t prepared for this cover either. It’s pretty rocking and not at all in the direction that I expected them to take it. I guess this one is more of a full band involvement than any of the others on here. I’d really like to hear a studio version of this song, seeing as how they rock this much live.

MP3: Rilo Kiley – I Didn’t Understand (Elliott Smith cover)
Only get this if you are a diehard fan. The quality’s terrible. You can barely tell what song she’s singing.

But through all these covers, my favorite one is still this:

MP3: Rilo Kiley – Let My Love Open The Door (Pete Townshend cover)

Tonight Let’s Dance might be my favorite new blog discovery thanks to my New Year’s resolution. Check it out!

Ryan Allen of Thunderbirds Are Now! has a good blurb in this Pfork news article about losing their drummer.

Stereogum wants to send one reader on a ‘date’ with Ben Gibbard. Actually it’s more like a reporting gig to a Q/A with him, but isn’t a date really like an interview anyways?

Page France have named their new EP that’s due out in Feb/March. It’ll be called ‘Pear.’ Also a reminder that they’re going on tour soon. Their first show is this Friday in Lexington, Kentucky at The Dame. If you’re able, come out and support one of my favorite bands!

Apparently Wolf Parade will be on Kilborn Ferguson tonght? (via Other Matt)