The Internet has been buzzing in everyone's ears lately, with a number of live performances, including NPR's Tiny Desk series and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, to name a few. However, one of their best live performances might be a cover of a band whose struggles helped lead the way for alternative artists and tight pants (hi, Kanye!). While touring over in Australia, the alt-R&B band paid a visit to local radio station, Triple J, performing “Girl” and contributing to their Like A Version series with a Cover of N.E.R.D.’s “Tape You.”
"Tape You" is a somewhat obscure album cut from In Search Of…, N.E.R.D.’s debut album. Though their mix of hip hop and rock & roll elements wasn’t well-received by early music reviews, this early work helped pave the way for bands such as The Internet, whose musical style and expression can’t be perfectly defined by any one genre.
Paying homage to their roots, the band does a masterful job of covering the song. Their version is a more subdued and smooth acid jazz version of the original, making it more suitable for late night chilling than rocking a crowd. However, they do manage to incorporate The Neptunes' signature whiny synthetic horns on the chorus.
"Tape You" is just the latest cover from Triple J’s Like A Version series, including Childish Gambino’s cover of Tamia’s “So Into You.” You can check out Syd Tha Kyd and company performing the song, as well as their own song “Girl” below.
