It’s no surprise that “The Boys of Summer” is Don Henley’s most covered solo song. Though it wasn’t actually his biggest radio hit at the time – that’s “Dirty Laundry” – it has endured far more, due in part to its distinct video and its perennial popularity: It is his most streamed song, and it’s not even close, but there have also been at least two very prominent covers over the decades.
English folk singer Steve Knightley – of UK folk group Show of Hands – last appeared on Cover Me when we reviewed his Dylan/Carthy covers album, the punnily titled Positively Folk Street back in May. He is now performing with The Winter Yards Band and it is with them that he has recorded his new cover of ‘The Boys of Summer.'” (According to YouTube this is a brand new band.)
From the opening the vibe is entirely different. The band is Knightley on acoustic guitar backed by standup bass, drums and an electric guitar that refuses to play the famous guitar melody. No synthesizers anywhere. Knightley himself plays fingerstyle and much faster than the in the original.
Knightley somewhat sticks to the vocal melody with his gruff, folky voice and that is the main thing that connects this version to the original. The bass and drums do occasionally echo the original arrangement but only via suggestion. The bass itself shifts from plucked to bowed and back, which is a nice touch.
The song is recognizable but the arrangement around the vocal – and Knightley’s vocal itself – and the entire aesthetic is a far cry from mid-’80s heartland/synth rock. It’s a pretty version and it’s fun to hear something that is willing to drop the song’s most famous feature.
Of course, it isn’t the first time Knightley has covered the song, as we commented upon his version with Show of Hands, 10 years ago:
https://www.covermesongs.com/2015/09/good-better-best-boys-of-summer-don-henley.html