The Cover Up: The Mend ~ Blurred Lines (Robin Thicke Cover)

Although launched to the wider public through Britain's Got Talent, The Mend are living breathing proof that pre-existing bands can succeed in this shove-people-together-in-a-group X Factor world of ours. Their debut single, Where Were You (read my review here), was the most delicious blend of exquisite harmonies and retro Motown soul, all given a forward thinking and contemporary production that made it sound both timely and timeless. While their growing fanbase waits impatiently for single number 2, their sparkling cover of Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines (the biggest song in the country right now) is more than enough to tide the greedy masses over :) Of course by now you will know the down & dirty, sexyback vibe of the original - The Mend boys take that uber-flirtatious sense of the song and amp it up to Prince-esque proportions (ie, they make it sound even more filthy than it already is :D) That's their youthful exuberance for you - it's an opportunity for their playful personalities to shine through. Even though it's a lyric video only (bah), you can definitely here how much of a good time they are having performing the song - there's a definite smile-while-they-work attitude in their delivery that is pretty darn infectious. There is very clever use of the different vocals of the lads to give the song texture (and playing back into their personalities) that actually makes it sound like it's the natural follow up to Where Were You anyway - and that's quite the achievement: making such a ubiquitous song sound like it was meant for them all along (When they sing "you the hottest bitch in this place", it's a truly euphoric, fist pumping moment of YES! These boys rule this tune)...

(Note: The rapped Middle 8 is one of the most engaging, enjoyable rap riffs you will hear all the live long year. Just bursting with vibrant passion for the craft and sheer enjoyment of what they do)

(Note 2: The boys are playing live in Birmingham on July 11th. Make sure you get your tickets (here). They are more than welcome to pop round for a cup of tea if they like :D)

(Note 3: There had better be an album in the offing or I may just weep. That is all)...