Soundclouds of the Underground: Daft Punk Edition

ABOVE: GEORGE BARNETT

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes deep into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.

If you’ve been frequenting the World Wide Web this week and last (and why wouldn’t you), it comes as no surprise that the new Daft Punk album Random Access Memories is getting a great deal of attention—the duo’s first studio effort since 2005’s Human After All, the record features the likes of Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas, producer Todd Edwards, and the incomparable Pharrell Williams, who appears on the album’s single “Get Lucky” alongside legendary hitmaker Nile Rodgers. A natural Internet byproduct of big hits like “Get Lucky” is a slew of online covers, and although it seems as though this is territory limited to random YouTube talents, sometimes artists who are web-conscious enough to join in on the trend will do just that. We’ve found three covers of “Get Lucky” by three international acts and pitted them against each other in the ultimate cover-off. Whose rendition is the best? Check them out below and decide for yourself!

George Barnett: “Get Lucky”

Who: Not to be confused with the model and These New Puritans drummer also named George Barnett, this young Londoner’s tracks alone are a bit more pop-oriented than those of the other man bearing his name. It’s a good thing too—Barnett’s epic musicality is a fun breath of fresh air.

The Song: Barnett’s version of “Get Lucky” doesn’t stray too far from the original; using it instead as a jumping-off point, morphing the track into a funkified jam session, with fun little riffs and additions interspersed between and top of the track’s original instrumentation. As you can see from this YouTube clip documenting the making of Barnett’s cover, the young talent plays all the instruments himself, which makes his smooth and sexy vocal all the more awesome.

Current Project: Barnett’s new EP Where the Devil Sleeps is available now. Check it out, along with more info, by heading to his Facebook page.

Sam Sparro: “Get Lucky”

Who: Sam Sparro is an Australian singer whose impressive pipes and eclectic style have earned him a reputation worldwide as a musical force to be reckoned with. Sparro’s soul-pop sound is infectious and a great plenty have noticed—past Sparro collaborators include big names like Basement Jaxx and Mark Ronson.

The Song: The singer, whose most famous track “Black & Gold” was itself covered by Katy Perry, is known for his ability to wail over a disco-infused beat or two, and he feels fully comfortable on his revamped version of the track, which is far more electronically friendly and energy-filled.

Current Project: Keep up with Sparro via his website.

Atlas Genius: “Get Lucky”

Who: Another Australian act who is just breaking big in the states, indie-rock outfit Atlas Genius features Keith Jeffrey on guitar and vocals with his brother Michael Jeffrey. The group’s sound is sexy, fun and catchy as can be, with tracks like the smooth and sexy “Centered on You” and the dance-friendly “Electric” acting as fine proof of the group’s range and talent.

The Song: An interesting contrast from the two rather full tracks mentioned above, Atlas Genius takes a stripped-down to “Get Lucky,” which the duo performed live on dutch radio show Giel at 3FM. Keith’s falsetto is quiet and engaging in its imperfectness, which sounds great under the bareness of his guitar.

Current Project: The group’s debut album, When It Was Now, is available here.

Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.