Fans of the Casablancas crew will want to pick up on this one (if you haven't already!). Toronto-troubadour Howie Beck's lo-fi, acoustic take on "Reptilia" reminded us that The Strokes really do have some great, recent songs -- once you strip 'em of their coincident distractions (i.e., celebrity girlfriends, hipster hairdos, et al). We love this take, like we loved Gary Jules's career-making strip down of "Mad World" and Mat Weddle's "Hey Ya." Beck's turn on the seven-chord tune is bare bones, and it'll make you see it in a new light.
Howie Beck ? "Reptilia" (MP3)
On his latest, self-titled album, Howie's friends Feist, Matthew Caws, and Ed Harcourt make cameos, but it?s the Elliott-recalling vulnerability in his vocals that does the heavy lifting. This song is an album standout, and we're proud to premiere this acoustic version that, frankly, we think is superior -- and entirely awesome.
Howie Beck ? "Sometimes" (Acoustic) (MP3)
Howie Beck ? "Sometimes" (MP3)
Enjoy.
