Those familiar with the solo recordings of Michael McDonald are no doubt aware that in the early aughts he released a pair of Motown-themed covers albums, aptly titled Motown and Motown Two. For some, the records were a passionate reminder of McDonald’s abilities as a vocalist. For McDonald haters, they felt like a long journey into the dark side of human existence. McDonald recently revisited this part of his past by unveiling a new live cover of “What’s Going On.” Continue reading »
On her terrific 2009 covers album Cover (forgettable title, memorable NSFW artwork), Joan As Police Woman covered everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Britney Spears. And those were just the first two tracks. The disparate source material worked together wonderfully in Joan Wasser’s quirky indie-pop style, and we’ve been anxious for a sequel. We’re still waiting, but on her new best-of-plus-outtakes collection Joanthology, she includes a few Cover highlights (T.I.’s “Whatever You Like,” Sonic Youth’s “Sacred Trickster,” Public Enemy’s “She Watch Channel Zero”) and adds one new cover, of Prince’s “Kiss.” Continue reading »
There are few things that pique the interest of audiophiles more than the promise of unreleased music. Just remember the Beach Boys’ Smile or Guns n’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy. Before either album saw the light of day, there were years of speculation and countless articles imagining how they were lost masterpieces. They each came out with tremendous fanfare, but the luster quickly wore off.
For decades, outlaw country singer Gary Stewart, best known for his booze-themed country hits in the ‘70s and ‘80s, had his own unreleased-music legend. Only his were a batch of Motown covers recorded before he became famous. According to Rolling Stone, Motown Records publisher Jobete Music set up shop in Nashville in the mid-70s to hawk the label’s catalogue to country artists. A then-unknown Stewart was hired to record demo versions of three Motown songs. Though never released, the recordings supposedly made their way into the hands of producer Rory Dea who helped Stewart get signed to RCA. The story of the fabled lost tracks even earned a mention in Stewart’s Los Angeles Times obituary after he took his own life in 2003. Continue reading »
“Jimmy Mack” by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas is a Motown classic, upbeat and insanely catchy. Not that you’d know it from the new cover by Animal Collective, who, it will not surprise anyone who knows them to learn, have changed the song radically. They’ve been performing it on their current tour, and finally laid down a studio version a few days ago at the KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic session. Continue reading »
Arcade Fire got local during their Philadelphia tour stop, covering “Motown Philly” by hometown heroes Boyz II Men. The indie giants kept the track true to its funky R&B roots. From the look of the video the band had a grand old time with this tune, because who doesn’t love a little new jack swing? And if your dream is seeing Win Butler sing Boyz II Men in a giant fake head, then this video is absolutely for you. Continue reading »
Say She She have worked extraordinarily hard in 2024 to consolidate their breakthrough success of 2023. They have taken their soulful harmonies on tour several times, honing a legendary live act. Throughout the year they have also given us the stories of their influences with well-curated series of classic songs, road tested live and then released with studio versions. With no more shows on the cards for the year they have given us their first seasonal song, a cover of “Purple Snowflakes” by Marvin Gaye.
Although conceived and recorded in the ’60s the song was never released during Gaye’s lifetime, as the theme and music were adapted to become “Pretty Little Baby,” which Motown must have thought would have year-round appeal. The original did eventually appear on a Motown Christmas compilation in 1993, since which time it has become like a Shibboleth of Soul, a song that those with deep love and appreciation for the art form use to signify their appreciation for the season and the music. There are great versions by Laura Mvula, Gregory Porter and John Legend. “Pretty Little Baby,” for whatever reason, has attracted less cover attention over the years.
Say She She could be forgiven for sounding jaded and tired after a year of constant activity on the road and publicity trail. Of course they may have, in the classic style, recorded their winter holiday classic in June. Nevertheless their reading is upbeat, warmly enveloped in an upbeat Major Key, with their harmonies as tight and uplifting as ever. The snowflakes may be cold but the atmosphere is warm. It is dark but comfortable, and everyone is cuddled up with someone they love, or alone if that is what they wish. A fitting reward for a busy year.