Bad Copy

Here we are with another edition of Cover to Cover. This time around I will be featuring the song “Age of Consent.”

The song “Age of Consent” was originally recorded by British rock band New Order. New Order was formed in 1980 by Bernard Summer, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris following the dissolution of their previous band Joy Division. Joy Division broke up due to the suicide of vocalist Ian Curtis. They released their first album, Movement, in 1981 on Factory Records. As of this writing, the band has released ten studio albums, 12 compilation albums, six live albums, and five EPs. Their most recent release was a single released in 2020 titled “Be a Rebel.”

“Age of Consent” was released on their 1983 album Power, Corruption, & Lies.

The Cover:

The song has been covered a few times but the one I will be talking about comes from Philadelphia, PA-based indie rock band Cayetana. This band was formed in 2011. Their debut was a 2012 self-titled EP. As of this writing, they have released two LPs, three EPs, and a split with Australian indie rock band Camp Cope. The band consists of Augusta Koch on vocals and guitar, Kelly Olson on drums, and Allegra Anka on bass. According to the Wikipedia page about the band, they split up in 2019. Prior to listening to their version of the song for this writing, I had never heard any material from this band. In fact, if memory serves me, I can’t even remember having ever heard of the band itself.

Their version of “Age of Consent” was recorded for their 2016 EP Tired Eyes, released by Asian Man Records.

The Verdict:

So just to put this out there, this will be a first for Cover to Cover in that this particular song is a song that I have never actually heard before by either artist. Or if I have heard the New Order version, I don’t remember ever hearing it. I also have to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of New Order. I actually prefer Joy Division’s material. However, I am a fan of Peter Hook as a bass player; I think he is exceptional at what he does.

The New Order version is good. It’s got all of the makings of an ’80s post-punk/dance-pop tune. It sounds like something that would have been played in a dance club. The Cayetana is quite a bit different. I actually prefer this version. Probably primarily because I prefer Augusta’s vocals and overall vocal delivery over that of Bernard Summers. While I like the bass guitar of the original more (it is Peter Hook after all), I just like everything about the cover a little bit more.

What are your thoughts on the song?

That’s it for this issue of Cover to Cover. Hope you enjoy these little things and hope you come back for more.