Kurt Baker’s ‘Got It Covered’: An Album Review

Album Review: Kurt Baker – Got It Covered (First-Ever Vinyl Edition)

Label: Oglio Entertainment
Format: 12″ Red Vinyl (Standard Jacket w/ Printed Inner Sleeve)
Release Date: August 14, 2026
Purchase: Amazon | Oglio Entertainment

Originally released in 2010 as a high-octane 7-track mini-album to launch his solo career following the breakup of power-pop outfits like The Leftovers, Kurt Baker’s Got It Covered has finally received its long-overdue debut on wax. Released via Oglio Entertainment, this first-ever vinyl pressing showcases Baker’s razor-sharp love letter to late-’70s and early-’80s new wave and power pop, packed into a vibrant physical release that begs to be spun loud.

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The Context: Launching a Solo Power-Pop Legacy

When Got It Covered first dropped as a digital and CD release in 2010, it served as a defining blueprint for Baker’s solo persona. Rather than delivering standard cover tunes, Baker—alongside producer Linus of Hollywood and guest stars like Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) and drummer Adam Marcello—reimagined classic power-pop standards with aggressive, contemporary rock ’n’ roll energy.

What sets Got It Covered apart from typical cover projects is its intent. A lot of artist-led cover albums feel like contractual quickies, but for Baker, this 2010 mini-LP acted as a formative creative laboratory.

By dismantling classic anthems by his heroes—artists like Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, and Doug Fieger—and rebuilding them from the ground up, Baker was actively deciphering the DNA of timeless power-pop. You can hear him internalizing the exact balance of sharp lyricism, driving rhythm, and wall-of-sound guitar hooks that would go on to define his entire original catalog.

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Track-by-Track Highlights

Got It Covered wastes no time on fluff. The 7-track setlist reads like a jukebox dream for pub rock and new wave enthusiasts:

• “Let Me Out” (The Knack): A muscular opener that sets the tempo immediately with driving drums, crunching guitars, and Baker’s urgent lead vocals.
• “Hanging on the Telephone” (The Nerves / Blondie): Baker leans into the nervous energy and melodic hook of the original while pushing the guitar assault into redline territory.
• “Pump It Up” (Elvis Costello) & “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” (Joe Jackson): Reworked classics that honor the tight, hyper-literate basslines and rhythmic precision of the late-’70s UK pub rock movement.
• “Cruel to Be Kind” (Nick Lowe): Side B’s standout track. Lush layered vocal harmonies and warm acoustics turn this power-pop staple into an undeniable sing-along.
• “Turning Japanese” (The Vapors): A rapid-fire finale that caps off the mini-LP with chaotic, infectious fun.

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Sound & Packaging

Oglio Records has treated this fan favorite with genuine care:

• Vinyl Variant: Pressed on striking Ruby Red Translucent Wax that perfectly complements the artwork’s sleek, retro aesthetics.
• Audio Mastering: Mastered specifically for analog playback, giving the drums punchier low-end weight and allowing the guitar dynamics to pop off the record.
• Packaging: Includes a full printed inner sleeve with updated liner notes and historical photos.

Because Got It Covered was originally recorded during the digital-first era of 2010, the original CD/digital mix was intentionally compressed to hit loud through earbud speakers. For this vinyl press, the audio was remastered specifically for analog playback (handled by engineer Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering).

The difference in the music’s playback is immediately noticeable. The low-end bass guitar and kick drums have a noticeably rounder, warmer punch that grounds the aggressive guitars, while the high-register elements have room to sit side-by-side without sounding harsh or crowded.

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The Verdict: 4.0 / 5

The revamped sound and Baker’s twist on some classics make this a solid purchase. It’s a fitting tribute for some power-pop bangers. For collectors of garage rock, pub rock, and power pop, this LP is a mandatory addition to the shelf.

Note: Big thanks to the folks at Oglio Records for sending over a review copy of the vinyl! As always, all opinions here are honest and uninfluenced.