Tame Impala tackles Seal’s ‘Kiss’ for Triple J
Tame Impala, led by frontman Kevin Parker, has always approached music with a playful, often chaotic energy. But when they stepped into the classic world of rock history, their journey took an unexpected turn, sparking a deep connection not just to a legendary artist, but to a piece of childhood nostalgia.
The pivot came when Tame Impala decided to cover the timeless track Kiss From a Rose by Seal for Australian radio station Triple J’s Like a Version series. This choice was deeply personal for Parker, as the song held a unique place in his memory: it was the first CD he ever purchased, and it was the soundtrack to the Batman Forever film.
This accidental encounter with the song helped ignite Parker’s lifelong fascination with the Caped Crusader. After countless listens, he became intimately familiar with every note and rhythm of the track, demonstrating how seemingly casual musical choices can lead to profound personal connections.
When discussing the cover, Parker reflected on the challenge of imitation. He admitted that the band felt they couldn’t replicate Seal‘s inimitable voice, leading them to embrace the task not as a replication, but as an authentic interpretation. “We sort of just accepted that none of us sound like Seal,” he explained. “We were just sort of like, content with, like, it’s us. It’s a bunch of Aussie blokes doing it.”
Instead of aiming for vocal perfection, the band decided to focus on the musical architecture of the song. Parker praised the track’s complexity, noting that while it might not have many chords, it was musically intricate and layered with unexpected rhythmic shifts, calling it quite proggy.
The connection deepened further when Tame Impala incorporated their own hit, “Dracula,” into the performance. Parker noted that the arrangement and shared singing between “Dracula” and the Seal cover had unexpected common ground, especially in their use of synthesizers.
Parker offered a philosophy for tackling cover songs that rings true for any artist: find a song that possesses incredible merit but perhaps didn’t receive the recognition it deserved at the time. The goal, he suggested, is to take that classic material and present it in a fresh, new light. This approach requires a willingness to ditch the pressure of perfectionism and simply embrace the moment.
Interestingly, this creative exploration drew the attention of the original artist, Seal. Parker described Seal as “an amazing artist and an amazing vocalist,” noting that he hoped Seal would appreciate the playful intent behind the cover. The dynamic suggests a mutual respect for the music, regardless of the delivery.
The story of Kiss From a Rose itself is fascinating. Released on Seal’s self-titled 1994 album, it didn’t achieve massive traction until director Joel Schumacher chose it for use in the subsequent film. Seal himself credited Schumacher for taking an unconventional song and making it stick, suggesting that the cinematic context provided the necessary spark.
While Tame Impala is currently taking a break from the road, anticipation is high for their future performances. Rumors suggest the band is poised to headline major festivals, including the 2027 edition of Coachella, promising that this blend of nostalgic reverence and modern creativity will continue to captivate audiences.
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