Devendra Banhart can skateboard...

Mr. Banhart after the accident, a case of Samson?

So, a while ago singer songwriter and movie star dater Devendra Banhart, had to cancel a leg of his tour. Because he'd, well, broken his leg. He did this skateboarding. As something of a cynic and from what I knew of him, this conjured images of an enthusiastic bearded folkie trying something new and hurting himself. Then I watched the video above and realised how wrong I was. Watch it and see what I mean. It's nice to be surprised.

Covers that are better than the orignals: Part II

I heard the Dublin Gospel Choir's version of Mumford and Sons 'The Cave' for the first time today. It's a perfect example of a cover that's better than the original (see previous post). Mumford and Sons embody everything that is wrong with the 'nu-folk' movement with their stupid clothes and their stupid excessive use of the banjo and faux-folkness. But, they've written some good songs. I just can't listen to them because the band themselves are so annoying. This version makes it possible. So for anyone else out there who finds themselves strangely drawn to the song but can't bear to listen to it's creators sing it, here's an excellent alternative. What harmonising!