Once upon a time there was this little song called “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” that was released in 1985. Like the title suggests, it was a New Wave song about that girl that just drives you crazy. It was a fun synth-y piece that just got you moving. Now we have the indie rock answer to Dead or Alive’s one hit wonder.
The Covasettes are a Manchester based group consisting of Chris Buxton (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Matt Hewlett (Lead Guitar & Vocals), Jamie McIntyre (Bass & Vocals), and Matt Buckley (Drums/Percussion). They’ve been nominated for the Independent Music Awards in the Indie/Alt Rock Song category, and it’s not hard to see why. The Covasettes are an explosive blast of fun and energy fused with the guitars that just bring a smile to my face. Their single “Spin” is just what we need in a time when everything seems timid and afraid to really let loose.
The burst of energy from the opening of the song just makes you want to head bang and throw all those important documents off your desk. The guitar is crunchy and the drums are loud and yes this is the kind of rock music I love.
But what makes “Spin” unique is that, unlike other songs of a similar ilk (Arctic Monkeys’ “R U Mine?” being the first example I can think of – and quite appropriate as The Covasettes list them as an influence), “Spin” is about the other woman. Buxton is singing to someone about the woman he can’t get out of his mind while he has this person right in front of him, who wants him back and is waiting for him.
And like a man on a mission
I ditch my sweet inhibitions
And I’ll tell you that you’re looking just fine
Cause then you’re sat there alone
Telling me to come home.
Then in the chorus, he freely admits to the fact that he hasn’t really gotten over this other woman even if he’s committing to this other person for the moment:
With one word she can say everything
She makes my heart and my head spin
She makes me lose my mind
But I’m all yours tonight
She makes my heart and head spin
Spin spin spin.
The other obvious influence for the song is “Gold on the Ceiling” by The Black Keys. It has the same crunchy, screechy guitar as “Spin,” but the thing that really makes me laugh is that this feels like the song from the perspective of the man in Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” Perhaps Parton is just imagining the wandering eye of her man, but it’s amusing to imagine Buxton singing about the fabled Jolene. Or perhaps the infamous “Arabella.” Either way, I want to meet the woman who inspired such a song.
Thanks to The Covasettes for such a wonderful breath of fresh air while we’re all running around like chickens with our heads cut off. Here’s to a better, rock-filled summer!
