While one should always approach covers with a level of skepticism, I’m definitely into this recent cover of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” by the LA-based band Barbara.

“Pursuit of Happiness (Kid Cudi Cover)” ~ Barbara (taken from Indie Shuffle)

The feel is taken from the Gourd’s infamous “Gin & Juice” song (the first song I downloaded on Kazaa), but the band actually used samples, snagging Iron & Wine’s Trapeze Swinger and using barely noticeable Sam Cooke vocals. The result is an awesomely mellow version of Kid Cudi’s jam with lots of little surprises.

The band said this song was the first of many so I’m excited to hear more.