Some records seem destined for vinyl from the moment they’re recorded. Kurt Baker’s Got It Covered has always been one of them. Originally released in 2010 as the launch of Baker’s solo career, this collection of power pop and new wave classics finally receives the analog treatment it has deserved all along. Thanks to a fresh remaster and a striking ruby red pressing from Oglio Records, Got It Covered feels less like a reissue and more like the album’s definitive edition.
For anyone familiar with Kurt Baker’s career, this record serves as both a tribute to the artists who shaped his songwriting and a snapshot of an artist discovering his own voice. Produced by Linus of Hollywood and featuring guest appearances from Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and drummer Adam Marcello, the album captures Baker’s love for the melodic brilliance of late-’70s and early-’80s power pop. Those influences would go on to define a career that has earned praise from Billboard, New Noise Magazine, and countless fans who appreciate timeless hooks delivered with punk energy.
Before the needle even touches the record, the presentation makes an impression. Pulling the beautiful ruby red translucent vinyl from its sleeve immediately raises expectations. Updated artwork and new liner notes give longtime fans something fresh to enjoy, while the remastered audio promises an experience built specifically for vinyl listeners. It doesn’t disappoint.
The opening blast of “Let Me Out” wastes no time setting the tone. The drums hit with authority, the guitars burst from the speakers, and Baker’s energetic vocal performance immediately pulls you into the record. A guitar solo adds another jolt of excitement while making it obvious these songs aren’t simply being recreated—they’re being celebrated by someone who genuinely loves the music.
Music Video for Kurt Baker’s version of Blondie’s “Hanging on the Telephone”
Baker’s version of Blondie’s “Hanging on the Telephone” might be one of the album’s most natural fits. His voice slips comfortably into the song’s urgency, balancing punk attitude with the melodic instincts that have become his trademark. The groove is impossible to ignore, making this one of those tracks that almost demands you turn the volume up another notch.
The Elvis Costello favorite “Pump It Up” takes a slightly different approach. Baker eases off the accelerator just enough to give the groove more room to breathe without sacrificing any of the song’s energy. Keyboards add a playful ’80s edge while the guitars keep everything driving forward. The remaster deserves special mention here, allowing every instrument to stand out while preserving the raw excitement of the performance.
Side B of the vinyl opens with a highlight. “Cruel To Be Kind” begins with familiar bells before exploding into one of the warmest-sounding tracks on the record. The straight-ahead drum beat provides the perfect foundation while layered background vocals make the chorus feel like a room full of friends singing together. This is where the vinyl pressing really shines. The mix feels rich and inviting, encouraging another spin almost immediately after the needle lifts.
Closing the album with “Turning Japanese” is a perfect choice. The Vapors’ new wave classic still carries the same infectious energy that made it unforgettable decades ago, and Baker attacks it with obvious enthusiasm. His smooth vocal delivery fits the song effortlessly while the band packs an impressive amount of detail into the fast-moving arrangement. Every instrument has its own space in the mix, creating a lively finale that leaves you wishing there was another side waiting to be flipped over.
Beyond the individual songs, what makes Got It Covered work so well is Baker’s understanding of the material. These performances never feel like museum pieces. He respects the originals while bringing enough of his own personality to each track that they become unmistakably his. That balance isn’t easy to achieve, especially when covering songs so closely associated with legendary artists, but Baker consistently finds it.
The move to vinyl also changes the listening experience in subtle ways. This isn’t an album that begs you to skip around from track to track. It rewards sitting down, dropping the needle, and enjoying each side as a complete statement. The warmth of the remaster, the punch of the rhythm section, and the timeless songwriting all benefit from the format.
For longtime fans, this reissue is an easy recommendation. For listeners discovering Kurt Baker for the first time, Got It Covered offers an excellent introduction to the influences that helped shape one of modern power pop’s most consistent voices. More than fifteen years after its original release, these songs still sound fresh, exciting, and impossible to resist. Sometimes the best way to appreciate great music is exactly the way it was always meant to be heard, loudly spinning on a turntable.
Release Information
Artist: Kurt Baker
Release: Got It Covered (Vinyl Reissue)
Release Date: August 14, 2026
Label: Oglio Records
Genre: Power Pop • New Wave • Punk Rock
Find More From Kurt Baker Here:
Website: https://www.kurtbakermusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurtbakermusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurtbakermusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KurtBakerMusic
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