Weekend Supplement: Aston ~ Diamonds (Rihanna cover)

Not to be confused with the Aston Marton mix of the actual Rihanna song, but beloved classical instrumental group Aston have only bloody gone and done an evocative cover of the ubiquitous singer's 2012 smash Diamonds. Unlike me (who does not own any Rihanna music. El Scandalo!), you probably have the original version of the song tucked away in your mp3 collection - and will know that it is a mid-tempo electronica ballad, drenched in synths, percussive bass, electronic rhythms and orchestral manoeuvres in the dark. It's these sweeping orchestral overtones as well as insightful instrumental interpretations of the lyrics that the Aston gang have intuitively picked up, deconstructed and rebuilt as a stirring classical ode to that oh so prominent concept of love, love love. And this is what Aston do so well - create and craft a whole narrative using just their instruments; so lovingly performed with intricate nuances that lyrics are not required to have a wholly realised work of art. Dramatic, resonant piano chords interchange with delicate, mellifluous riffs, both playing beautifully alongside elegiac strings that give a haunting, mesmerising effect. Gently placed percussion adds to the persuasive parable of amour & swells appropriately to give dramatic denouement to their sumptuous & sensational invocation of Rihanna. As if this elegant study in musical architecture wasn't enough, it's set to the simply stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, complete with brilliantly dazzling light shows that tantalise the senses and provide an awe-inspiring visual to the lovely aural experience. So Aston - six gorgeous diamonds, shining more brightly than ever...

Top 21 songs of the week:

21 ~ Betty Who, You're In Love (NE)
20 ~ Scarlett's Roses, King of Hearts (NE)
19 ~ MKTO, Classic (NE)
18 ~ MKTO, Thank You
17 ~ Scarlett's Roses, Truth Be Told
16 ~ Betty Who, Somebody Loves You
15 ~ Olly Murs,Dear Darling
14 ~ Pink, True Love
13 ~ Sugababes, Flatline
12 ~ Stooshe, My Man Music
11 ~ Delta Goodrem, Heart Hypnotic
10 ~ Eric Saade, Winning Ground
09 ~ The Summer Set, Boomerang
08 ~ Auryn, Make My Day
07 ~ Ed Drewett, Undefeated
06 ~ Chris Wallace, Don't Mind If I Do
05 ~ Mika, Live Your Life
04 ~ One Direction, Best Song Ever
03 ~ Fifth Harmony, Miss Moving On
02 ~ Asher Monroe, Hush Hush
01 ~ Agnetha Faltskog, Dance The Pain Away (4 weeks)