Triple J: Like A Version

Revisiting some of my favorite Triple J covers

NOTE: This is an archive article, originally written for Instagram (@mercersmusic) on February 2nd, 2024. It has been left largely unedited for further exploration.

Edward Gough Whitlam served as the 21st Australian Prime Minister, serving from 1972 to 1975. During his time in office, the administration created a government-funded, national radio station geared towards the youth. On January 19th, 1975 at 11:00am 2JJ or Double J was born. ⠀

This radio station, based in Sydney, was primarily focused on Australian content and music that was censored or banned elsewhere. This quickly dominated the airwaves and in 1981 began broadcasting nationally as 2JJJ, or Triple J. Nearly 50 years later, Triple J (@triple_j) is still wildly successful with listeners from all corners of the world tuning in to listen to the channel that captured Sydney from that very first day.⠀

Today, we are looking at some of my personal favorite “Like A Version”s. Here, they invite artists into the studio to cover some of their favorite songs, and sometimes even their own music. I also love the opportunity to watch the artist talk about what the song means to them or how they changed it, while still paying homage to the original, in the “Behind the Scenes” videos that typically accompany the covers.

Double Jay: First Moments on Air

Footage from that January morning. Fun fact, the first song ever played on the Double J airways was a banned song titled “You Just Like Me Cos I’m Good in Bed” by Skyhooks, an Australian rock band. I thought this was awesome footage and funny enough, this is how I felt starting this project with y’all. Good vibes all around.

“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala, cover by Meg Mac

Somehow I only discovered this cover recently but I was initially curious how Meg Mac would handle a cover of the psychedelic pop classic, primarily composed of various synths and floaty instrumentation. I was thoroughly impressed and think it is really special when an artist can hear a song one way, completely change it, and still deliver. More Meg Mac:

“All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem, cover by Gang of Youths

If you made it this far, this is a special treat for you. This song, whether you are fresh out of college, forty years into marriage, or somewhere inbetween is one you can resonate with. I still remember the first time I heard this song - I wasn’t really paying attention and once the words started to hit me, I was nearly overwhelmed. This cover captures that ever changing scenarios of life, and the beauty within that, superbly. More Gang of Youths:

“⁣So Into You” by Tamia, cover by Childish Gambino

This was the first Like A Version I ever listened to and was a staple for me in high school. I think Childish Gambino’s voice matches perfectly with the lyrics and shows an air of vulnerability. Fun fact - the guy with long hair on the lead guitar is Ludwig Göransson. He's produced many of Gambino's tracks, worked on Oppenheimer, and many other projects (thanks Youtube for that). More Childish Gambino:

“Stay” by Rihanna, cover by Rum Jungle

This song immediately transports me back to middle school. When writing this I was curious when this song was released and saw that it was 2012. Where did the time go? Anyways, Rum Jungle does a superb job of retaining the core emotions of the Rhianna classic while infusing their alternative character, especially at 1:52, my favorite part of this Like A version. More Rum Jungle:

“Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift, cover by G Flip

⁣G Flip takes what is already a fun song about a summer fling and leans further into those memories. Accompanied with strings, piano, drums, and a guitar this rendition exudes energy right from the start. But what keeps me coming back time and time again is watching them walk over during the build and not only do they start playing the drums, but kill it while singing at the same time. More G Flip:

“Baby Come Back” by Player, cover by Ocean Alley

One of my all time favorite covers and one that I would hold up, if not above, the original version (sorry Player). This version was shared to me by my friend Jade when we traded playlists; she, being from Australia, made an Australian one, while I made an American one. Upon my first listen, I quickly recognized the song and the artist. While this would have been one I left in rotation for a while, what happened at 3:05 cemented this as an all-timer. You have to go experience this one. More Ocean Alley:

“Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, cover by Royel Otis

Another timely piece and one shared first with me by my cousin Harrison! I have yet to see Saltburn but this song is everywhere I go and I love the 2000s band vibe coming from this Like A Version. The casual command he has over the song, particularly the catchy “Hey-ey” has caused this to be on loop. Love when a cover is timely and furthers a song.

Spread Love!

- Mercer