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Copeland released their debut full length Beneath Medicine Tree to wide approval from critics and fans alike. There's a second full length in the works, but in the meantime the band has elected to release a covers EP to whet the appetites of their fans for the time being.

Granted, it was hard to know what to expect from a relatively new band with indie credibility covering popular hits from the '80s, but I think Copeland has hit the nail on the head here. The album opens with "Another Day in Paradise" from Phil Collins. The band turns the song into a smooth, singable tune that easily encourages the listener to continue paying attention. Next the band tries their hand at a song made popular by female singer Carly Simon, "Coming Around Again." We see that this song is not limited to one gender, however as vocalist Aaron Marsh turns it into one of the most compelling moments on the album.

A cover of Billy Joel's "She's Always a Woman" could easily have been a disaster, but Aaron Marsh injects the perfect amount of emotion into this piano led ballad. Jessica Simpson made "Take My Breath Away" (originally introduced on the Top Gun soundtrack) a hit, but Copeland shows how the song should really be done with their version which follows much the same path that "Another Day in Paradise" took.

It's the closing song of the EP Stevie Wonder's "Part Time Lover" that will generate the most mixed opinions. The beat filled cover is certainly a step into new territory for Copeland and with a nod toward Radiohead, they pull it off beautifully in the opinion of this reviewer. The robotic voice closing the song is a nice touch as it says, "I don't think I can trust anyone and everyone I know is a no good drunkard."

Alright, consider my appetite whet for the moment, but I am ready for more. Copeland is continuing nicely in their musical journey and I'm ready for the next step.

Trae Cadenhead 8/21/2004