Clash of the Cover Songs: Hot Chip vs. Portastatic

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'