Who'd cover Joanna Newsom?

A San Francisco band called Sholi, it would appear, who have committed to tape their own version of Miss Newsom's Sprout and the Bean.

And I think it's pretty good, in a loose, sparse, indified sort of way. It goes beyond mimickry to reinterpretation – which is good. The mix is not great, it must be said (vocals too low at times). But I applaud, nevertheless.

I guess it does raise a question, though: how wise is it to cover the work of an artist whose sound is so original; whose musicianship so accomplished? This is a good cover – but it simultaneously highlights the fact that Sholi are not of Joanna Newsom's calibre (at the moment, anyhow).

You can listen to the song (and download freely) on last.fm

Compare it with the excellent Newsomnian original (also on last.fm)

... And, if that's the way you like to do things, have a peek at the Sholi website. Line drawings and all.