Crate Digging 101 Lesson 6: Cover Songs
Cover songs might be a tip off to a cool record.
Great music, like any art form, is always open to interpretation. Many songs are covered by a wide variety of musicians in a spectrum of styles. The Beatles’ Yesterday is the top recorded song of all time, with versions by Elvis, jazzman Bud Shanks and boogaloo kings Pucho & the Latin Soul Brothers. A fresh take on a classic, for me, is exciting in a mix, because it is something familiar in a new wrapping. It can also be helpful, when digging through the used record rack, to spot a song you like by an artist you don’t know. A lot of times an LP cover catches my eye, with originals I have never heard. But a title of a cool cover track could tip the scale. So here are some suggestions to look for of covers that might just rival the originals.
Latimore- For What It’s Worth - The original Buffalo Springfield version is one of the all time greats, capturing a moment in history and making it timeless. Stephen Stills message song has been sung many times, from Cher to Rise Against. Sergio Medes & Brasil ’66 do a cool version.
But the one to look for is on the Glades label out of Florida, featuring the bluesy soulful vocals of Latimore. On this self-titled 1971 album, the legendary Al Kooper produces a cool country jazz version (with melodica embellishments by Latimore a la Toots Theilman). It has the low down groove of the Classics IV Spooky.
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Spooky - Speaking of Spooky, Martha Reeves strong pitch makes this version a sexier take on the sultry composition. Here she sings in the first person, a Martha being the spooky one in the relationship. I like when song interpreters turn the tables on the lyrics & assume the protagonist role from the antagonist role of the original. And the Motown Funk Brothers are up to the challenge of matching the skills of the Atlanta Rhythm Section’s (as the Classics IV would become known in the 70’s) moody instrumentation on the original, adding a soulful swagger.
David Bowie-the entire Pinups album - Some albums are nothing but cover versions, and this is one of my faves! Bowie pays homage to the Invasion era British pop groups that influenced him. Bowie was also a part of this scene as teen, with his first group Davey Jones & the Lower Third, so his feel for these tracks is right on. With trusty axe man Mick Ronson’s perfect guitar flourishes (raunchy not loud, only when necessary), Bowie gives a punk attitude to songs by the Who, Pretty Things and Kinks that most of us young Americans had yet to hear in 1973.
Phil Upchurch - Darkness Darkness - This is the title track on soul-jazz-funk guitar master Phil Upchurch’s 1971 release on Blue Thumb. His instrumental take on this Youngbloods early FM radio classic (when it was still underground) is amazing because it actually some how surpasses the Youngbloods brooding original version. The Youngblood’s version, off of their fantastic Elephant Mountain album, builds from a moody lament of lost innocence (as beautifully expressed in their big hit Get Together) and climaxes in a “Crazy Horse” flourish of angry youth. Upchurch’s version starts off at that point, and builds further, like a storm coming in from the ocean he is pictured playing on in the cover photography. The immortal Donny Hathaway played keyboards and arranged the strong (yet sparsely placed) horn section. Both of these cats came from Chicago’s Cadet Records and learned a thing or two from Charles Stepney ‘s epic deep groove style of creating atmospheric soundscapes those great soloists like Upchurch can fly through, reaching unbelievable heights.
The Rotary Connection- Tales Of Brave Ulysses - Speaking of Charles Stepney, this is one his utterly masterful productions. The Songs LP by Rotary Connection is another great album of covers, graced by the hauntingly beautiful Minnie Ripperton, whose voice is an instrument that will never be replicated. This album features three songs by Cream, and on Tales Of Brave Ulysses Ripperton’s vocals soar gracefully into the stratosphere. Even though this was released in 1968, The Rotary Connection still sound way ahead of their time.
Al Kooper- Baby Please Don’t Go - And we come back to the beginning, Al Kooper, the 60’s super producer/ arranger/ songwriter was also had a magnificent eye for talent. Not only did he bring us the elegant swamp soul of Latimore, he also brought the Zombies and Lynyrd Skynyrd to the attention of American major labels. Kooper is a rock god. Just the way his organ kick starts Dylan’s Like A Rolling Stone is proof of his majesty. All of Al Kooper’s 60’s albums are well worth digging for. He is akin to fellow genius Brian Wilson with a kaleidoscope of grand visions per LP. Kooper’s version of “Baby Please Don’t Go” (The Big Joe Williams blues classic made popular by the Amboy Dukes psych version) is a jam! He takes the song into outer space and never loses us in the process; the best of what 60’s adventurism was all about! If you find a copy of the 1968 album Easy Does It by Al Kooper, grab it (just found a great copy for two bucks!) and take that trip. You’ll be glad you did.
Posted by Prof Louzlounge on Aug 12, 2010 @ 7:07 am
