Under the Covers: The Music of Game of Thrones

As the fourth season of Game of Thrones draws to a close, it seems an appropriate time to explore and listen to some of the stand out cover versions of music from the HBO series. As the notion of accidentally seeing spoilers about the TV series (from those who have not delved into George R.R. Martin's novels) is a very sensitive subject, I feel it important to make you this oath: I swear by the Old Gods and the New, there will be no spoilers in this article (unless you haven't watched the show through at least Season 3).

Now then, weary traveler, pull up a seat and allow the assembled bards sing you a song of ice and fire, as we countdown 11 of the most entertaining covers of songs from Game of Thrones.

11. Game of Thrones 8-bit Remix on NESKeytar
You had me at keytar! The man wielding this mighty axe is Greig Stewart, known to many by his performance name, Theremin Hero. This Scotland-born thereminist, laser harp player and programmer has created a keytar out of a fully functioning Nintendo Entertainment System game console. This cover easily qualifies among the best chiptune variations on the theme from GoT. Also, lasers!



10. Pannonia Allstars Ska Orchestra - Game of Thrones Theme (Ska Version)
Little did you know when you entered this tavern you would quickly be surrounded by the sounds of a Ska band from Hungary. The Pannonia Allstars Ska Orchestra (best, name, ever!) have put a decidedly mellow Ska spin on the GoT theme. On first listen I kept expecting them to go full throttle into punkier territory, but PASO keep things rock steady throughout.



9. Scott Bradlee and Postmodern Jukebox - Game of Thrones Smooth Jazz Version, featuring Dave Koz on sax
That's right. Pour a glass of wine, put on your deck shoes and polo shirt and let's bask in the wave of sound created by this acclaimed group of musicians. Scott Bradlee and Postmodern Jukebox (of Motown Nickelback fame) are joined by Smooth Jazz sax stalwart Dave Koz, who steps into the spotlight and handes the theme's recognizable riff as easily as Syrio Forel handles a Braavosi blade.



8. Hanazakari Kage - "It's Always Summer Under the Sea"
Shireen Baratheon's GoT equivalent of "Castle on a Cloud" is easily the least covered piece of music in the Westeros canon. YouTube performer Hanazakari Kage delivers a haunting, gothic piano and synth rendition.



7. Game of Thrones II Meets Metal
YouTube metal guitarist extraordinaire Eric "331Erock" Calderone has forged not one, but two pieces of blistering metal riffage hot enough to melt even Valyrian steel. His Game of Thrones sequel video focuses on "The North Remembers," "Jon's Honor" and the show's end credits theme, while his original video marches onto the metallic battlefield with a face melting cover of the theme song.



6. Game of Thrones Theme on Eight Floppy Disc Drives
Because awesome!



5. Games of Thrones by The Celtic Harp Orchestra
The Celtic Harp Orchestra hail from Como, Italy and recorded this beautiful arrangement in a 4th Century church



4. Karliene - "The Bear and the Maiden Fair"
Hey, I promised you bard songs round the fire and a hearty ale when we started, didn't I? Well, the bard songs part anyway. Karliene is an artist new to my ears, but I was instantly struck by how well she puts a tavern/Renaissance Faire spin on this popular Westerosian song.



3. Break of Reality - Game of Thrones Cello Cover
Cello Rock band Break of Reality weave their stringed magic over Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi's exquisite theme.



2. Form Constant - Game of Thrones Theme
Form Constant is a Dream Pop/Psychedelic Rock band from Birmingham, Alabama. The track features guitar playing reminiscent of Glasvegas and production values that elevate it from the crowded rabble of YouTube-based Game of Thrones covers. Coming in just slightly longer than the original, Form Constant have crafted a stellar cover, straightforward in its conceit, which doesn't stray too far from the path of the source material, yet allows the band to exercise it's talents and draw in new listeners. Which is, of course, part of the exercise of recording a solid cover. We should all be checking out more of their sounds.



1. Lehto and Wright - "The Rains of Castamere"
Okay, I want you to read this, then hit play and close your eyes and just listen. Don't watch the video. Go into this one with ears fully open. I care not if Bannermen from every corner of Westeros the Internet are called to lay siege against me for saying this: As great as the original version by The National and the haunting rendition by Sigur Rós are, this is by far my favorite, if not the best and most listenable version your ears will hear of the Lannister song.

If you close your eyes, you can almost imagine early-Black Sabbath recording this song, apart from the vocals. While not a purely Heavy Metal version, there are definite Tony Iommi and latter day Doom Metal inspirations in the instrumentation and arrangement. A great vocal line tops the piece. After you watch with eyes closed, go back and watch Lehto and Wright perform it again. It is absolutely worth repeated listens as the group elevates a song inextricably linked with tragedies and betrayals in the Game of Thrones world to a piece that is all together listenable and enjoyable, even when not played at a wedding.



Hodor!

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