They range from Linda Ronstadt and Rod Stewart’s respective mining of chestnuts from the Great American Songbook to indie-rock favorite Cat Power. In the process, the cover version becomes the definitive version.Ī few of my favorite examples include Cassandra Wilson’s splendid, slow-as-molasses 1993 reading of Van Morrison’s 1971 classic, “Tupelo Honey,” Lake Street Dive’s New Orleans-infused 2013 version of The Jackson 5’s propulsive 1969 hit “I Want You Back,” and Alison Krauss’ luminous 1999 rendition of the 1988 Keith Whitley hit “When You Say Nothing at All.” I could easily cite dozens more.Ī number of artists have recorded multiple cover albums. With little fuss and minimal musical alterations, Combs turns “Fast Car’s” protagonist from a young woman - whose bleak circumstances leave her with few choices - into almost anyone hoping beyond hope to move, somehow, beyond a dead-end existence.įor me, the most memorable covers are by gifted artists who find and bring to life facets in a song that eluded - or never even occurred to - the original performer or songwriter. But Combs’ earnest rendition underscores the broader resonance of Chapman’s lyrics while retaining the spare guitar figure she used to frame her song. So is Amy Winehouse’s 2007 remake of The Zutons’ 2006 song “Valerie.” A more recent one came just this year with country-music star Luke Combs’ chart-topping version of Tracy Chapman’s plaintive 1998 gem, “Fast Car.” Tracy Chapman, meet Luke CombsĬhapman’s understated original remains my favorite. Pearl Jam’s 1999 version of Wayne Cochran’s previously little-heard “Last Kiss,” released in 1961, is a prime example. ![]() In other instances, an imaginatively done cover song can simultaneously provide an unexpected hit for an established act - and shine a welcome new light on the artist who originally did it.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |