Watching the Oscars broadcast on ABC back in February, I pulled out my iPhone to Shazam the song playing over the closing credits. When the result appeared, I was surprised to discover it was Beck, this being the Academy Awards and all.

This being me, of course, I promptly forgot about it. But in my defense, it was pretty late when the Oscars wrapped up, as is television tradition. However, all was soon well because the tune in question, “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat,” made its way to me once again.

Originally written and performed by Bob Dylan, “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” is Beck’s contribution to Heroes, the newest War Child charity album. I’ve been a big backer of previous War Child releases, as they often feature some brilliant covers, but the concept for Heroes takes it one step further: Music legends were asked to select a song from their catalog and then nominate an artist to re-record it, thereby creating this eclectic gathering of modern-day acolytes:

Beck – “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” (Bob Dylan)
The Kooks – “Victoria” (The Kinks)
The Hold Steady – “Atlantic City” (Bruce Springsteen)
Hot Chip – “Transmission” (Joy Division)
Lily Allen feat. Mick Jones – “Straight To Hell” (The Clash)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” (The Ramones)
Franz Ferdinand – “Call Me” (Blondie)
Duffy – “Live And Let Die” (Paul McCartney)
Estelle – “Superstition” (Stevie Wonder)
Rufus Wainwright – “Wonderful/Song For Children” (Brian Wilson)
Scissor Sisters – “Do The Strand” (Roxy Music)
Peaches – “Search And Destroy” (Iggy Pop)
Adam Cohen – “Take This Waltz” (Leonard Cohen)
Elbow – “Running To Stand Still” (U2)
The Like – “You Belong To Me” (Elvis Costello)
TV On The Radio – “Heroes” (David Bowie)

But back to Beck. “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat,” which first appeared on Dylan’s 1966 album, Blonde On Blonde, pokes fun at a female fashion victim for sporting the déclassé chapeau. Quite a subversive choice to close out the Oscars telecast, where so much of the evening’s focus is on what our favorite Hollywood stars are wearing. Hear here:

Purchase Beck – “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.