Sunday, April 24th, 2011
"The Bed's Too Big Without You"
Foals cover The Police
Frank YangOn a component level, Foals’ take on The Police’s non-single but still sort-of hit from 1979’s Regatta De Blanc doesn’t differ that much from the original. That keyboard-y bit overtop is new, certainly, but the bassline stays true to what Sting originally laid down and while thankfully de-chorused, the guitar parts are also pretty faithful.
But by making the drums double-time, their version gets a pretty solid kick in the ass and is essentially de-reggaefied and made all tense and post-punky; throw in Yannis Philippakis’ decidedly more anxious vocal delivery – he’s really not cool with the size of the bed – and things are pretty full-on Foals-y. This recording was made in a session for Zane Lowe’s BBC1 radio show in April of 2010; I am telling myself the abrupt stop is deliberate and not just a bad recording.
Foals are in town this Saturday, April 30, for a show at The Phoenix – their second in support of last year’s Total Life Forever following last September’s thrown-down at Lee’s Palace. Having done their cash in reunion in 2007 and 2008, The Police will probably remain broken up for the rest of time.
MP3: Foals – “The Bed’s Too Big Without You”
Video: The Police – “The Bed’s Too Big Without You”