I guess not all that long ago Ghost promised new music by the time they were set to head back to the EU for the second leg of their tour. Turns out that new music was an EP full of cover songs! I love a good cover song and I can assure you this is some good, good stuff.
See No Evil – The original version of this song came out in the late 70s by a band I’ve never heard of called Television. One could argue that this sounds even more 70/80s than Ghost’s normal fanfare, but I found that it fit right in to what I like about the band and am more familiar with. If this new track doesn’t get stuck in your head after about 30 seconds, did you even listen to it?
Jesus He Knows Me – Genesis?! Who knew?! Even though this band is one of my dad’s favorites, this was not a song he ever had on repeat. Could have been he was busy taking care of me and my twin the year it was released, but I know I’ll be asking him about it later. It’s clear from the get-go that this song is ripping on televangelists. Rightfully so. I couldn’t help but think of Jim Bakker listening to this song, but he’s the only one I’ve ever learned much about (thanks The Eyes of Tammy Faye). It’s crazy how relevant this song’s lyrics still are today! Quite the video to go with the song got released, on purpose I’d say, on Easter Sunday.
Hanging Around – At this point I think it goes without saying that I have not heard the original version of any of these songs. Surprising, but then again, not surprising at all, the band chose a fairly religious song from popular UK band, The Stranglers. I have no clue if the original sounds anything like this 80s-inspired rendition, but again, Ghost just knows how to make these their own! It sounds like something you’d hear on any record from the band. It’s also crazy to me how these satirical and judgmental songs about religion can be so darn catchy! And I’m not saying they don’t make great points. I recommend checking out the lyrics when listening along to this one.
Phantom of the Opera – So sure, did I think this cover was going to be from the musical of the same name? 100 percent. Instead, I learned that Iron Maiden has a seven-plus minute epic with this classic title. Not that I’m a big Iron Maiden fan, but this was another track I have never heard before in my life. If the Youtube comments were anything to go by though, Ghost’s version was a good and fairly faithful cover. The fans approved and so do I! It’s another case of a cover that fits perfectly into their style while still honoring the original (I think. Per the Youtube comments).
We Don’t Need Another Hero – This cover had to be the most random of the bunch. Firstly, it came in at a much slower pace than the other covers on this EP. Admittedly, it did not really jive with me. That doesn’t mean it was bad, but it’s not something I’ll be replaying in the future. Now for the randomness: it’s a Tina Turner song! That’s just crazy to me, and having not listened to the original track before, I again had to rely on the Youtube comments. The unanimous consensus was that it was an original and unique take while still being tasteful and respectful of Turner’s version. The only thing I really enjoyed from this track were the opening sounds – for some reason it reminded me of something that would play in between scenes on old crime shows.