Been a while, huh?
I used to think I wasn’t particularly musically literate. There were so many instances of:
“You’ve never heard X?”
X in this equation being a song, an album, an artist or band.
Yes, I really haven’t heard X!
Consciously at least. Names are difficult to recall when all you have are lyrics and melodies without context. I however, in my many expeditions into the Internet have garnered a love of covers.
The original versions of songs are of course, definitive as the base, originator, the foundational text. But fuck it, what else can you do with this melody? These lyrics?
In my experiences, I’ve felt somewhat ashamed of this aspect of my musical literacy, that I really do like covers. Especially as Amanda Palmer on the Mess Inside episode of I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats called them “transformative” covers.
(By the by, listen to her rendition of the Mess Inside, the last note is something very special in my opinion).
Throw the song into another genre, another language, see how it fairs when the drums are covered or translated through the playing of a violin. See how it swims!
This is where I want to speak about a specific YouTube channels that excels in this type of transformative covers, and I’ll give brief thoughts on 2 of my current favourites!
Seven Nation Army by Postmodern Jukebox ft. Hailey Reinhart
We have here an often covered song, Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes, which…just has a really nice rhythm to it. A rhythm emphasised to the nth degree by the sultry bass of Adam Kubata, who I think along with Tony Austin on drums, Mike Rocha on trumpet, Lemar Guillary on trombone and Jacob Scesney on sax, give form to this performce. Kubata sets the mood, plucking those strings as the rest of the band snaps in unison. But its Hailey Reinhart, one of MANY fantastic vocalists that feature on this channel, that is the painter of the scene. With a few masterful inflections she transports you to a smoke filled bar, a scene stricken from a noir and sketched out by the band.
I love this song. I don’t know genre when it comes to music, the video self identifies as a Vintage New Orleans Dirge, and I don’t dare disagree.
Noir, no matter who or where you are. That’s what this song is to me. A setting, not pre-established, but built in bold confident strokes around you, as you light up a cigar.
Juice by Postmodern Jukebox ft. Mario Jose
Our second entry, now this…
This song makes me smile.
Similarly to Seven Nation Army, the whole band are to be commended. Although my connection is focused on Mario Jose, I’m taking this time to give due credit and the spotlight to the band.
Scott Bradlee is like every pianist I’ve listened to, a magician. Pianos are daunting creatures of mathematical paradoxes, strings and hammers, they’re monuments which enthrall me. Scott Bradlee’s use of one is basic sorcery.
Julian Tanaka likewise uses an instrument which I have never in my life bore witness to in person, the Clarinet. An item which I picture with a sour sea creature more than an orchestra or band, yet his uses it to deliver meat to the song.
Dave Tedeschi is responsible for the form and skeletal structure, as well as the pulse. That is to say he’s the drums, as well as washboard, which I didn’t know was in this song…
Learn something new every day!
Mike Chisnall and Eric Heveron-Smith play the guitar and bass respectively! With great precision and skill!
Kalia Vandever rounds out the crowd with their use of the trombone. Similar to the piano, another instrument which confuses and delights me in equal measure!
But in my opinion, to never detract from the chorus of talent behind him, the standout is Mario Jose!
His utter joy and radiance makes me smile, and when I first saw this video, heard the lyrics filtered through this lens. I cried.
Knowing and feeling are two different things.
Knowing is hearing Lizzo’s amazing original and celebrating with her, the truth that shape or size do not detract from one’s beauty, within or without.
Feeling is seeing yourself, in your own expanded COVID waistline, in the music and being moved.
That’s what I experienced.
One of the top comments said it best by one:
“ngl seeing a guy with my body type sing this makes me feel kinda great£
I won’t lie either, made me feel pretty good too.
Thank you for reading.