Version Excursion: “Hurt So Bad” (original by Anthony & The Imperials)
A perfect song is usually a combination of songwriting prowess and interpretative brilliance recorded in magical circumstances. There is a rare instance where a song is so naturally incredible that even when covered by highly different artists in varied genres/eras its immaculate qualities still resonate strongly. Hurt so Bad, orignally …
Version Excursion: “Let’s Start” (Comencemos)
Sometimes you don’t think a track can get anymore hype and energetic yet another band manages to cover it and make it pop even more. Fela Kuti‘s powerful Let’s Start took a life of its own when Latin Funk outfit Phirpo y sus Caribes transformed it into Comencemos. The horn …
Version Excursion: “Tudo O Que Voce Queria Ser” (Milton Nascimento)
Tudo O Que Voce Queria Ser by Milton Nascimento is the opening track of his legendary Clube da Esquina album (with Lo Borges) and it also represents the start of a whole brazilian regional renaissance. Nascimento’s creative vision, his personal poetic songwriting and his truly unique voice sparked a revolution …
Version Excursion: “Home is Where The Hatred Is” (Original by GSH)
I’ll always remember when I heard Esther Philips‘ cover of the Gil Scott-Heron masterpiece Home is Where the Hatred Is. I was mesmerized by the melody and arrangements, but it was the lyrics that truly floored me. A junkie walking through the twilight I’m on my way home I left …
Version Excursion: “In the Rain” (original by The Dramatics)
Cover versions have lead to countless favorite soul songs. Many times, a simple melody is thouroughly fleshed out by rich arrangements. However when its the other way around, covering a complex and profound soul song in other genres can lead to incredible results, given the emotional depth of the source …