I didn’t really appreciate the genius groove of The Nerves’ “When You Find Out” until it showed up on my running playlist. There was something about the sense of urgency built into the song that was irresistible on a full-throttle flat out-run. That took me back to their sole self-titled 1976 EP. Hard to believe such a legendary release contained a scant song-list of just four tunes – but what a quartet. The band was a pre-famous super-group of Jack Lee, Peter Case, and Paul Collins that didn’t survive long after the EP release. Case and Collins would later work together on The Breakaways and most famously in The Plimsouls before each established successful solo careers. But people remain in awe of The Nerves EP though when it comes to covers most people just cite Blondie’s cover of “Hanging on the Telephone.” That’s a shame because personally I think “When You Find Out” is the real cover joy.

We begin with the original, of course. So action packed. Messrs. Case and Collins also revived the tune as a more languid instrumental on The Plimsouls self-titled debut in 1981. The first bona fide cover I could find was not what I expected – a rocky treatment from Swedish whistlers Peter Bjorn and John in 2003. Then we get another curve ball from Western Electric who basically completely reconstruct the song for a 2006 Peter Case tribute album A Case For Case. Things turn toward a more heartland treatment from The Heartbeats. The lead guitar work on this version is pretty special, rumbly and hooky.

As we stretch into the second decade of the new millennium the vibes get a bit more indie. Witches slow things down and strike a lot more moody chords. Boonaraaas turn up the speed and intensity on their 2012 take. But if you’re looking for a kick-ass rock and roller performance with a lingering sense of dread look no further than The Murderburgers 2015 release. Personally, I’m really fond of Patrick Lindgren’s somewhat restrained, uber-cool take from 2021. Nice organ! David A Burdick reliably turns out great covers and his recent work on the song is no exception.

We wrap things up with the cover that got me diving down this covers-rabbit hole, Blur’s Graham Coxon doing a remake of the song that is so 1960s late British Invasion. A little bit Kinks, a little bit Zombies, a whole lot fantastic. It’s from his recent fab solo LP Castle Park.

Some bands make a fleeting cross of the stage but leave behind something lasting. That’s The Nerves – one great EP. But what a legacy of impressive work from each talented member.