Billie Joe Armstrong covers "I Think We're Alone Now" because we are

Green Day guitarist/frontman Billie Joe Armstrong is coloring our coronavirus isolation in the best way. Armstrong recorded a version of “I Think We’re Alone Now,” the 1967 hit by Tommy James And The Shondells, in his bedroom and decided to share it with the world.

“Dear friends,” he wrote on YouTube. “While we’ve all been in quarantine, I’ve been reflecting on the things that matter the most in my life. Family, friends and of course, music. I recorded a cover of Tommy James and the Shondells “I Think We’re Alone Now” in my bedroom. I figure if we have to spend this time in isolation, at least we can be alone together. Love BJ”

Read more: Green Day are punk’s greatest band and we have the magazine to prove it

Armstrong put together a video for the cover version, paying tribute to his band’s early days. The clip features everything from archival photos to coffee beans to Cheerios to… OK, this is getting convoluted. The truth is that it’s a kickass version that says a lot about the enduring legacy of Tommy James’ original. Come on: Who among us hasn’t enjoyed the late-’80s cover by Tiffany? (Naaah, don’t answer that.) Still, Armstrong’s version maybe the finest 134 seconds you will experience today.

Don’t forget to check out the latest issue of AltPress, our tribute to Green Day’s three-decades-plus awesomeness. Not only did Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool talk about all of their studio records, we also compiled all of AP’s archival coverage of the band. From their early days on Lookout! to the party-rockin’ good times of Father Of All… it’s the perfect compendium for diehard fans and new listeners alike.

Watch (and listen) to Armstrong’s handiwork below. (That guitar pick collection is amazing, by the way.) At a time where smiling is a premium, having it delivered in decibels is awesome.