Duncan Sheik Readies ’80s Cover Album

Updated:

April 1, 2011 10:29 am

American Songwriter participates in affiliate programs with various companies. Links originating on American Songwriter’s website that lead to purchases or reservations on affiliate sites generate revenue for American Songwriter . This means that American Songwriter may earn a commission if/when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links.

Videos by American Songwriter

First he’s “barely breathing” and getting Grammy noms, then he’s snagging Tonys for the smash Broadway hit musical Spring Awakening, and now he’s traveling back in time to the land of the ’80s?!

June 7 will mark the release of Duncan Sheik’s latest album, Covers 80s (Sneaky Records/MRI). After years out of the spotlight working in the realm of composition for musical theater, the versatile writer is returning to center stage with a collection of covers from synth-pop era bands like Dépêche Mode, Thompson Twins, New Order, The Cure, Love and Rockets, The Smiths, Tears for Fears and more.

“It is nice to sing these songs that are written by other people… you’re inhabiting this other character that isn’t you, but in this case, it is a part of what made me who I am,” Sheik says. The task of sifting through the rich musical content of the 80s for just 12 tracks would be daunting to say the least, but according to Sheik, it was more of a matter of emotional attachment. “The litmus test for me for choosing the songs was: Did I really, really care about it when I was 15 or 16?”

Sheik will follow up the release with tour dates along the east coast. For more info on Duncan Sheik visit www.duncansheik.com.

Track Listing for Covers 80s

“Stripped”—Dépêche Mode
“Hold Me Now”—Thompson Twins
“Love Vigilante”—New Order
“Kyoto”—The Cure
“What Is Love”—Howard Jones
“So Alive”—Love & Rockets
“Shout”—Tears for Fears
“Gentleman Take Polaroids”—Japan
“Life’s What You Make It”—Talk Talk
“William It Was Really Nothing”—The Smiths
“Stay”—The Blue Nile
“The Ghost in You”—Psychedelic Furs