If ever asked to rank my favorite cover songs, Frente!’s perfect recasting of New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle” would make the upper reaches of the tally. Stripping down the classic synthpop song to nothing but an acoustic guitar and singer Angie Hart, the Australian band’s gentle take was a surprising highlight of 1994 when it came out of nowhere, and remains just as lovely today.

Combining the same ingredients — a sweet female voice, acoustic guitar, and another classic tune about conflicted love — Sea Of Bees‘ recently released cover of U2’s “With Or Without You” conjures up similar magic. Hear here:

Sea of Bees ‘With Or Without You’ by heavenlyrecordings

The musical project of Sacramento singer-songwriter Julie Ann Bee, “With Or Without You” appears on Sea Of Bees’ new Gnomes EP. However, a different cover receives official b-side billing on the release. That honor was bestowed upon a breezy version of Blue Öyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper,” which features an assist from Neal Casal, lead guitarist in Ryan Adams’ band, the Cardinals.

Purchase Sea Of Bees – “With Or Without You” (U2 cover) via iTunes.