Australian singer-songwriter Ren Barlow takes on Warren Zevon’s “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” a song whose romantic disasters became familiar to generations through Linda Ronstadt. It’s a smart choice for a singer with an appetite for character: the lyric offers plenty of trouble, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy telling you about it.

Country Rock, Humor, Heartbreak

-PurpleMistress

Acoustic guitar and a lively drum part give Barlow’s version its country-rock momentum. Her rich delivery brings a welcome sense of amusement to the repeated complaints. The appeal sits in that combination of wounded pride and obvious pleasure in the performance. Every return to the title offers another opportunity to turn a miserable situation into a good story.