Eclectic Covers

I do not often critique music. However, KCRW's recent release, Sounds Eclectic: The Covers Project, is so delightful, I'm motivated to share my impressions. KCRW has a long tradition of recording artists appearing on its flagship music program, Morning Becomes Eclectic (MBE), and releasing compilations of these recordings as membership premiums. Over the years, I've collected several of them, yet none have evoked emotion, nor sustained my interest like this latest offering.

As the name suggests, the disc consists of fifteen songs - some classic, others pleasantly obscure - interpreted by an eclectic range of artists, most of them familiar to regular MBE listeners. The result is a marvelous juxtaposition of old and new - of the familiar rendered fresh by the thoroughly modern sensibilities of these artists who've made each one very much their own. Girls In Hawaii start things off with a delightful rendition of Neil Young's classic Out On The Weekend. When I first spun the disc, I was struck by the coincidence, since this track also started off Young's Harvest album - arguably one of the major musical landmarks of the 1970's. This is immediately followed by an absolutely heart-breaking rendition of The Kinks' I Go To Sleep covered by the very unique Sia. She's living this song, mot merely singing it. I'll be very surprised if this track doesn't send you immediately to memories of heartaches in your own life.

And then there's Damien Rice's very personal rendition of the Radiohead classic, Creep. Stripped to a single guitar and his raw, mournful vocals, Damien manages to evoke new levels of teenage angst. Nikka Costa takes on the great Nina Simone's I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl and shows what a great talent she truly is. The disc would be fabulous if it ended there, but it's really just getting started. Rufus Wainright and Chris Stills (yes, Stephen's son) deliver a brilliant rendition of Neil Young's Harvest with harmonies that still give me goosebumps after many listens. They manage to evoke the intimacy and simplicity of the original - in a completely new way.

Other notable tracks include Dido's Fire And Rain, R.E.M.'s Gentle On My Mind and Matt Ward's deconstruction of David Bowie's Let's Dance. But it was Robert Plant's re-work of the monster Led Zeppelin hit, Black Dog that led me to this compilation in the first place. There's no way any child of the 1970's can listen to this new romp through such familiar territory and not be moved to move! The first time I heard it on KCRW I knew I had to have whatever album it graced.

And when you've fully rocked out, Missy Higgins catches you unawares with a passionate recording of Patty Griffin's Moses. Once again, I'm catching myself with goosebumps! So how do you close such an evocative compilation? Well, KCRW managed it beautifully with K. D. Lang's enormous version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. You must hear this rendition - despite all the others you've heard before. I will simply say that, at this point, I'm thoroughly convinced that Cohen and Lang share souls. She was meant to bring this song to life.

Perhaps I'm just becoming overly sentimental as I grow older. But, what the hell - I can't listen to this precious collection of memories wrapped up in exquisite new clothes without feeling refreshed, invigorated, alive. And isn't that what music is really all about? Turns out you, too, can get your own copy at various outlets including your local Starbuck's. But I urge you to go right to the source - subscribe to KCRW and receive The Covers Project as a premium. If you do, you'll help ensure this amazing radio station remains hail and hearty to bring us similar gems in the future!