Three Of A Kind #43

Continuing the summery theme established by young Spike t'other day, today we're featuring a trio of shiny happy cover versions ideal for listening to on a summer's day.

First up, it's Japanese all-girl popsters Shonen Knife with The Monkees classic Daydream Believer. Mick from the splendid Raiding The Vinyl Archive wrote this excellent piece about the song's composer, former Kingston Trio member John Stewart, who sadly died earlier this year.

Shonen Knife - Daydream Believer mp3 (available for 7 days)

Mildly Interesting Pop Fact: Shonen Knife have been together for a whopping twenty-seven years. Blimey o'riley!

Next, it's the prolific Of Montreal with a cover of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci's fantastic Spanish Dance Troupe. I love the original and this version has to be right up there too.

Of Montreal - Spanish Dance Troupe mp3 (available for 7 days)

Mildly Interesting Pop Fact: despite their name, Of Montreal aren't actually Canadian at all; they're from the USA, and, like most American bands, hail from Athens, Georgia. Swizz!

Finally today, Coventry legends The Specials tackle the Carl Sigman and Herbert Magidson-penned classic Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think). A joyous song in so many ways, nothing tops the bit at the start when Terry Hall deadpans, "Hello, I'm Terry and I'm going to enjoy myself first." Comedy gold.

The Specials - Enjoy Yourself mp3 (available for 7 days)

Mildly Interesting Pop Fact: this song was written in 1949. Cripes!

Buy music by today's featured artists here.