Monday, July 25, 2016

It's Covers Week (Part I): Special And Speaking of Gorgeous Edition

From their brand new (eponymous) collaborative album please enjoy national treasure Steve Earle and (I knew her when) Village contemporary Shawn Colvin and an absolutely transplendent version of the folk-rock classic "You Were On My Mind."




I gotta tell you -- when I first heard about this record I was dubious. To me, it was akin to Keith Richards doing a duet record with Joan Baez. But boy, was I wrong.

Seriously, this album is out of control great; the Colvin and Earle originals are knockouts, and the other covers -- including an amazing version of "Tobacco Road" -- are revelatory.

If the song above, of course, doesn't make you grin from ear to ear, you probably need to have it looked at.

Oh -- you can order it over at Amazon HERE.

14 comments:

Blue Ash Fan said...

I guess I better have it looked at.

Of course, I'm probably not the right person to be evaluating an Earle/Colvin pairing. My antipathy for her runs deep and wide.

Anonymous said...

That was nice; will check out the album, tho like BAF, I have never liked Shawn Colvin.... but I have no idea why. Am I wrong to feel that way? I'm open to persuasion.
And, wtf is that ahmad risno stuff above? Should I click or ignore?

steve simels said...

Spam, and deleted.

Blue Ash Fan said...

I know why I don't like her. I've had the misfortune of seeing her live on multiple occasions, both as an opening act and as an inexplicable member of Richard Thompson's band. I have never seen a live performer so utterly self-absorbed. Watching her watch herself dancing was the last straw for me. Also, too, boring.

Anonymous said...

Colvin's first couple of albums had a lot of distinctive songs. I was hooked when I heard Maura O'Connell copy "Shotgun Down the Avalanche" long before Colvin's first album came out. My theory was that she felt too much pressure about being somebody's second choice to Nanci Griffith, leading to being "self-absorbed," plus the fact that she seemed to be in every venue every month. I was kind of glad when she had the hit so she wouldn't have to try so hard, but then it seemed she had no more songs.

The duo album sounds nice, but I doubt if I return to it. If Earle is marking time with reclamation projects, he should figure out whatever happened to Cheri Knight. Hopefully, it wasn't him.

Sal Nunziato said...

Love Earle and liked Shawn a lot more in the 90s. Her last bunch of records left me cold. But aside from "Ruby Tuesday," which kinda stinks, I agree Steve. Good stuff. I think the originals are killers and far better than the covers.

steve simels said...

BAF -- I have a story aboutmy responsibility for Colvin working with Richard Thompson which I will tell you some day in private over drinks.

Anonymous said...

The song was written by Sylvia Tyson, yes? Correct me if I'm wrong. BTW, Is SC turning into the Hillary Clinton of folk music? A hard-working, competent person who people find "unlikeable"? I don't like her, either, but in my case it's personal, not musical.

pete said...

The song was written by Sylvia Tyson, yes? Correct me if I'm wrong. BTW, Is SC turning into the Hillary Clinton of folk music? A hard-working, competent person who people find "unlikeable"? I don't like her, either, but in my case it's personal, not musical.

Blue Ash Fan said...

Come up to Martha's Vineyard, Steve. Lots of good watering holes here. Drinks are on me.

Anonymous said...

The Ian & Sylvia version (the original) is the best version IMHO. A much darker song because of some different more troubling lyrics. Sylvia Tyson really nails it vocally.

Captain Al

Ken J Xenozar said...

Nice. Will definitely check it out. Wondering if this should be fodder for a List: 10 best (or worst) male/female (or female/male) powerpop duets. Not too many songwriters do it well these days. John Doe seems like a master of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-nqzhfCC3o

Anonymous said...

Two bores for the price of one. Colvin sure ain't no Allison Moorer. This version is a drag. We Five is the definitive version. It sparkles.

Have seen the both of them live. In Earle's case quite often. He's a colossal fuckin' jerk. A complete asshole. A phony. Last I saw him was at the Roxy. Liked Marvin Etzioni's opening band better.

Glad to hear that many feel the rest of album is better. It certainly wouldn't take much. This is dreary.

VR - P.S. please don't be so reckless with your Keith comparisons:-)

Anonymous said...

Jesus, you're tiresome. You've seen Earle often, and you don't like that he's a colossal jerk? THEN STOP SEEING HIM.