BBC Two is venturing back into its musical archives. The long-running “At the BBC” is back with “Ultimate Cover Versions at the BBC: Volume 2,” a two-hour exploration of musical reinterpretation. Fans of the series and those intrigued by the art of the cover version will likely find something to appreciate.
The episode boasts a diverse lineup, from the vocal prowess of Adele and Annie Lennox to the Madchester sounds of Happy Mondays and the ever-enigmatic Manic Street Preachers. Synth-pop fans can also anticipate an appearance by Erasure.
While the casual observer might assume covers simply aim to replicate a song’s success, the reality is far more nuanced. “At the BBC” will look at famous covers like Blondie’s energetic rendition of Randy & The Rainbows’ “Denis.”
In other cases, the cover version introduced a song to a much wider audience, effectively becoming the definitive version. Natalie Imbruglia’s 1997 hit “Torn,” for instance, was a cover of a relatively obscure 1995 song by Danish band Ednaswap. For many, Imbruglia’s version is “Torn.” Similarly, Tina Turner’s powerful take on Bonnie Tyler’s “The Best” achieved anthem status, arguably surpassing the original in recognition.
“Ultimate Cover Versions” isn’t simply a dry historical account. The series blends archival footage with a touch of celebratory nostalgia, a hallmark of “At the BBC.”
At the BBC: Ultimate Cover Versions at the BBC: Volume 2 airs Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at 8:05 pm on BBC Two.
