Mac Miller is best known for being a sort of lewd rapper who grinds on chicks at concerts and does pretty decent music, especially as a rapper with an independent spirit. But, how far does his love of indie go? Deep. In odd covers of the week, today (Feb. 7) Miller dropped a cover version of Bright Eyes' "Lua."
And, no, it's not a rapper's version of the track. It's a straightforward cover. Miller picked up an acoustic guitar and sang - not rapped - the small indie rock staple.
So, how did he do?
The answer is... OK.
Miller raps for a reason; his voice just isn't the strongest thing in the world. He sings in a near whisper that's full of rasp. It lacks Bright Eyes' singer Conor Oberst's raw emotion, instead, Miller sounds a little tired.
His guitar skills similarly aren't the best in the world. He manages to pluck all the right notes, but at times it sounds like he's just trying a little too hard. It's not effortless, breezy or touching quite like the I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning version.
But, he's no worse than that guy at your local coffee shop's open night.
Listen to the unexpected "Lua" cover below, via Consequence of Sound:
The "Lua" cover may be a surprise to many fans, but this isn't the first time Mac Miller has touched a Bright Eyes song. In 2012, he released a cover of another I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning single "First Day Of My Life."
