The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Panic'

The Contestants: The Smiths vs. Spoon

In This Corner -- The Smiths: Hailed by many as one of the most influential indie rock groups to emerge from 1980s England, the Morrissey-fronted Manchester quartet rose from indie-rock unknowns to superstardom in no time. 'Panic' was never released on a studio album but has been included on several Smiths compilations and was named No. 21 on NME's list of 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.

The Smiths, 'Panic'


In This Corner -- Spoon: The indie rockers, most associated with the Austin scene, have performed their version of the Smiths classic at several shows. They add a little of their twangy sound to the original's very '80s synth-sounding vibe. Though there's really no way to re-create Morrissey's voice, it's not too shabby.

Spoon, 'Panic'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'When I Get to the Border'

The Contestants: Richard & Linda Thompson vs. She & Him

In This Corner -- Richard & Linda Thompson: Before their complicated professional and personal breakup, the guitar virtuoso and the folk icon were able to put aside their differences long enough to create this beautiful ditty.

Richard & Linda Thompson, 'When I Get to the Border'

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In This Corner -- She & Him: Singer-songwriter M. Ward and actress turned vocalist Zooey Deschanel take this folk tune and add a little modern indie feel to it. Nothing says indie folk rock like a few well-placed flat notes.

She & Him, 'When I Get to the Border'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Last Nite'

The Contestants: The Strokes vs. Adele

In This Corner -- The Strokes: Hipsters claimed this single from 'Is This It,' the debut album from the New York garage rockers, as their dance anthem for the summer of 2001. Seven years on and we're still into it.

The Strokes, 'Last Nite'

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In This Corner -- Adele: The music world has been captivated by '60s soul revivalists -- Sharon Jones, Amy Winehouse and now Adele. The 20-year-old British vocal powerhouse takes on the Strokes with an opening soulful solo but quickly jumps into the guitar-heavy tune.

Adele 'Last Nite'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Oh! You Pretty Things'

The Contestants: David Bowie vs. Au Revoir Simone

In This Corner -- David Bowie: Just before Bowie morphed into his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, he took a giant step away from his folk-rock sound with the 1971 album 'Hunky Dory.' Demonstrating the power of the piano, Bowie endeavors to prove that the pretty things "drive their mothers and fathers insane." (We could have told you that, but he makes it sound so much better.)

David Bowie, 'Oh! You Pretty Things'

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In This Corner -- Au Revoir Simone: Covering Bowie is risky. Very, very risky. But this Brooklyn-based trio of indie rockers joined several other electronic groups, including Matthew Dear and Joakim & the Disco, to record a full album of Bowie covers (which will be available later this summer). And, let's be honest, once those Au Revoir Simone gals turned Bowie's piano into a synth, this version really started speaking to us. Gotta love electronic remixes!

Au Revoir Simone, 'Oh! You Pretty Things'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Into the Mystic'

The Contestants: Van Morrison vs. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

In This Corner -- Van Morrison: The legendary Grammy-winning singer-songwriter from Belfast, Northern Ireland, has entranced audiences since the mid-1960s with his inspirational lyrics. First issueed on his 1970 album 'Moondance' and again on a 1974 live record, this song has gained in popularity since its release, inspiring numerous cover versions.

Van Morrison, 'Into the Mystic'

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In This Corner -- Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova: Following their Irish elder's lead, the two stars of 'Once' cover the famously evocative tune at several performances. The two insist that the show isn't over until the whole audience enters into a spiritual journey with them by asking everyone to belt out, "I want to rock your gypsy soul/ Just like way back in the days of old/And together we will float into the mystic."

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova, 'Into the Mystic'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Kokomo'

The Contestants: The Beach Boys vs. Adam Green & Ben Kweller

In This Corner -- The Beach Boys: These ambassadors of sun and surf are known for their superior songwriting, but 'Kokomo' fell a little flat, as songwriting genius Brian Wilson was not involved. The lack of both musicality and, let's face it, sharp lyrics didn't stop this tune from topping the charts in 1988 and gracing karaoke collections everywhere.

The Beach Boys, 'Kokomo'

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In This Corner -- Adam Green & Ben Kweller: What should you do with a bad song by a great band? Cover it, of course! One third of the Bens and the "him" half of Him & Her came together to perform their take on the Beach Boys' final No. 1 hit.

Adam Green & Ben Kweller, 'Kokomo'

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The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Ready for the Floor'

The Contestants: Hot Chip vs. Duffy

In This Corner -- Hot Chip: Electro-pop at its finest, folks. Off of the Brit rockers' latest release, 'Made in the Dark,' this tune hit No. 6 on the U.K. charts and has been the cause of many a dance party in the states.

Hot Chip, 'Ready for the Floor'

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In This Corner -- Duffy: It takes some real cojones to cover an already killer song. And cojones she's got. The woman hailed as the "new Amy Winehouse" turned 'Ready for the Floor' into a breathy ballad at this year's Coachella festival. A little soul never hurt anyone. Right, Hot Chip?

Duffy, 'Ready for the Floor'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Exit Music (For a Film)'

The Contestants: Radiohead vs. Vampire Weekend

In This Corner -- Radiohead: This tune's literal, man. Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke wrote the song to accompany the exit credits of the 1996 flick 'William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet,' and also released on the band's album 'OK Computer.' 'Romeo + Juliet' director Baz Lurhmann considers 'Exit Music (For a Film)' to be "one of the greatest film exit songs ever written."

Radiohead, 'Exit Music (For a Film)'

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In This Corner -- Vampire Weekend: The NYC indie rock sensations were quick to cover Radiohead's musical masterpiece, with matching breathy vocals and all. Props even more for the unique flair on the supporting melodies. It might not work for the whole "star-crossed lovers" thing but it definitely provided some entertainment at this year's Coachella festival.

Vampire Weekend, 'Exit Music (For a Film)'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'I'm on Fire'

The Contestants: Bruce Springsteen vs. The Chromatics

In This Corner -- Bruce Springsteen: This tune served as the forth single off Springsteen's landmark album, 'Born in the U.S.A.' Coming off a slew of commercial stadium anthems, Springsteen returned to some of his deeper songwriting sensibilities with a song of delicate eagerness and yearning.

Bruce Springsteen , 'I'm on Fire'

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In This Corner -- The Chromatics: Portland's indie-electro quartet approach the ballad with style and grace by adding soft female vocals and smooth synths. It's a take that even the Boss would approve.

The Chromatics, 'I'm on Fire'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'You Can Call Me Al'

The Contestants: Paul Simon vs. Jens Lekman

In This Corner -- Paul Simon: 'You Can Call Me Al' served as the first single from Simon's 1986 album, 'Graceland,' and is certainly remembered for its video, which featured Chevy Chase lip-syncing the tune. Simon, meanwhile, served as Chase's sidekick, providing backing vocals, flute and nailing Bakithi Kumalo's bongo solo. The infectious tune was given new life in the '90s as a theme song for Al Gore's campaign for vice president in 1992.

Paul Simon, 'You Can Call Me Al'

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In This Corner -- Jens Lekman: The Swedish singer-songwriter is know for his off-the-cuff covers. This time, the indie popper took on Mr. Simon's hit. Lekman's jangly rendition is only a mild transformation of the tune and would have flowed nicely on Lekman's latest album, 'Night Falls Over Kortedala.'

Jens Lekman, 'You Can Call Me Al'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Digital Love'

The Contestants: Daft Punk vs. Mobius Band

In This Corner -- Daft Punk: Originally released on the robotic duo's genre-bending 'Discovery' album in 2001, this gem was that record's third single, released in the shadow of the commercial success of 'One More Time.' The track's bouncy beats and automaton vocals exemplify the genre known as filter house. The song is also well know for its rockin' guitar solo and, most notably, its use in the Juliet Lewis Gap commercial.

Daft Punk, 'Digital Love'

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In This Corner -- Mobius Band: Brookyln's indie rock trio is known for dabbling with electronic elements in its music. On this tribute to Daft Punk, they ditched the samplers for some acoustic guitars to showcase the tune's solid structure. If you can take the beat out of a dance song and it still sounds good, you have a winner.

Mobius Band, 'Digital Love'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'Starman'

The Contestants: David Bowie vs. of Montreal

In This Corner -- David Bowie: Originally recorded in 1972 as a single that served as a late addition to Bowie's concept album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars,' its cosmic message and sounds would be influential for decades to come. Although the track served as more of a fan favorite than a commercial hit, the tune did make its way onto the U.K. charts at No. 10 and peaked at No. 65 stateside.

David Bowie, 'Starman'

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In This Corner -- of Montreal: Atlanta's outlandish art-rockers took on this tune by one of their favorite artists in our New York studio during their Interface visit. Singer Kevin Barnes laid down a heartfelt acoustic rendition, giving it that of Montreal flavor while preserving the song's structure.

of Montreal, 'Starman'

of Montreal on the Interface

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'You Know I'm No Good'

The Contestants: Amy Winehouse vs. Arctic Monkeys

In This Corner -- Amy Winehouse: London's new queen of soul has racked up five Grammy Award partly due to the success of 'You Know I'm No Good.' Taking another listen to this song has reminded us that Winehouse isn't famous solely for her Britney-like antics but also because she has a supple voice. Her backing group the Dap-Kings and Winehouse are as good a combination as peanut butter and jelly, and this tune tells us the proof is in the pudding.

Amy Winehouse, 'You Know I'm No Good'

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In This Corner -- Arctic Monkeys: This Sheffield, England, power-rock quartet might 'Look Good on the Dance Floor,' but they also sound good in the studio. The Monkeys made adapting and nailing this tune seems easy. After going far in making this track their own, the only thing missing is Ghostface Killah.

Arctic Monkeys, 'You Know I'm No Good'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'And I Was a Boy From School'

The Contestants: Hot Chip vs. Portastatic

In This Corner -- Hot Chip: The London disco-punk outfit is best known for rockin' the dance floor with its house-laden party jams. The band recently stopped by the Interface to showcase another side of its talent with a mellowed-out, non-electronic set. 'And I Was a Boy From School' is a Hot Chip classic that is as happy and bouncy as their reputation. When broken down, the song shows the band's songwriting depth.

Hot Chip, 'And I Was a Boy From School'

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In This Corner -- Portastatic: Indie pioneer and Superchunk co-founder Mac McCaughan's side project peeled back the electronics from Hot Chip's floor-filler and took it back to its roots with a twangy acoustic rendition. McCaughan transformation sounds natural, fitting it seamlessly into his catalog of music.

Portastatic, 'And I Was a Boy From School'

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'She's Always In My Hair'

The Contestants: Prince vs. D'Angelo

In This Corner -- Prince: The Minnesota multi-instrumentalist has bridged the gap between soul, rock, pop and R&B in a way that no other artist has been able to achieve. The Sultan of Smooth puts his vocals to the test with this emotional tune, blending rugged guitar riffs, flanger and his effortlessly slick vocals. The song originally appeared as a B-side for 'Raspberry Beret' and was said to be about former girlfriend Susan Moonsie of Vanity 6. The song remains a cult favorite and is rarely played live.

Prince, 'She's Always In My Hair'

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In This Corner -- D'Angelo: This Grammy-winning R&B crooner was largely influenced by the Purple One. While maintaining the rock elements of the Prince's signature squealing guitar, D'Angelo adds a fitting neo-soul flair to this tune. The Virginia-born singer originally recorded the cover for the 'Scream 2' soundtrack back in 1997, but it recently resurfaced on a Prince tribute compilation, appropriately titled 'Controversy.'

D'Angelo, 'She's Always In My Hair''