visioneers - runnin' (pharcyde cover) (mp3)

the rise in popularity of the cover version over the last two years has been unprecedented, with bloggers continually trying to outdo one another with the latest scoop, and artists now just as happy paying respect to their peers as to their idols. where once a cover version was a nod to a particular songwriter that may have influenced a band in their formative years, lately we see an influx of tracks that are just years old. a lot of these cover versions are great, working best when an individual spin or alternative angle placed upon on an already well-loved track (see josé gonzalez's ubiquitous "heartbeats" for a perfect example). all that needs to be reminded is that quality control is still as an important issue as ever - for every johnny cash "one", we also get a u2 "neon lights".

this cover comes from the forthcoming visioneers album "dirty old hip hop", out next month on bbe. visioneers is the brainchild of 4hero's less prolific partner marc mac, and allows him to stray from the nu-jazz sound made popular by the west london duo. this was originally out on a 7" back last year, and is still available via goya music. this one of my staple "early doors" records for best foot forward, and it never really leaves the bag. maybe soon mark might drop his dr rockit equivalent ...