So as you can probably tell, Covers 32 has already spread itself around the globe, and since it's a new month (geez, AUGUST already?!?) it's time for our monthly case of Joni Covers FEVER!
Let me begin by thanking the people who helped me gather up this music: My sister, who fully understands my obsession (Thanks, Chris!) That lovable furry wombat John Low, one of my favorite JMDL'ers Joe Slomp in Italy, who helped get me really clean copies of the Shadows & Light stuff - Joe, is YOUR new CD out yet? Now, here's what on it: 1. European Jazz Trio - Both Sides Now: NO CHEESE here! A wonderful recording, with a swell standup acoustic bass solo. 2. Marie Fredriksson - For Free: For those of you who remember Roxette, Marie was the vocalist. Here she teams up with an incredible guitarist who tears off some rapid-fire acoustic solos. 3. Phantoms of Future - German heavy metal, they probably think Nazareth is getting the royalty money! 4. Calamity Jane - Woodstock: Basically the same arrangement we heard last month from Something Extra, but this lead singer doesn't quite have the vocal strength. Still, hard to argue with these gorgeous harmonies! 5. Marc-Marie - Both Sides Now: John van Tiel, help me here...is this Dutch? German? Pig Latin? It's a live cabaret version, and the lead singer reminds me of Dennis DeYoung of Styx. 6. Tar Heel Voices - Big Yellow Taxi: Great energetic acapella from UNC! I really like this one... 7. Christine Sullivan - Be Cool: We first heard from Christine Sullivan, the Aussie pop/jazz singer, several volumes ago with her jaw-dropping take on "I Think I Understand". She doesn't disappoint here either; her voice is excellent and the musicians are first rate. In a word, wow... 8. Gianluca Mosole - Woodstock: Another awesome Euro entry in this month's collection. You could probably guess that Gianluca is of Italian origin, and his jazz-funk electric guitar take on Woodstock is extremely satisfying. 9. Jacqui & Bridie - Both Sides Now: A simple but engaging duet with some interesting and slightly different harmonies. 10. Mary Hopkin - Night In The City: Like Kakki said, this song really suits Hopkin's 60ish folk vocal. Her 15 minutes of fame, you'll recall, was with "Those Were The Days My Friend". This is a pretty nice sounding rare concert recording. 11. Albert & Gage - River: Lovely piano and vocal...the vocal reminds me someone but I can't put my finger on it. Anyway, very pretty harmonies here too. 12. Allyson Paige - You Turn Me On I'm A Radio: "I'm a country station" all right, this one has country stamped all over it, features more nice harmonies, a solid lead vocal, and pedal steel to die for. A real winner! 13. Keith Lyn - Both Sides Now: Keith is Jamaican, but this doesn't have that reggae feel to it - fairly lackluster, actually...maybe Keith should have spent more time in the Ganja Line! 14. Libby Titus - Michael From Mountains: Libby was a minor star in her day, then went on to become Mrs. Donald Fagen. When it says Libby Libby Libby on the label, you'll like it in your CD player! 15. Min - Big Yellow Taxi: Min's name is really Melinda Miles, she's another Aussie on our world tour, and she turns in a nice acoustic w/congas performance of BYT. 16. Shadows & Light - Big Yellow Taxi 17. Shadows & Light - Chinese Cafe 18. Shadows & Light - Twisted 19. Shadows & Light - Woodstock: Shadows & Light are an Italian Joni cover band, and these are some sensational performances, I especially like the haunting intro and treatment of Chinese Cafe. Their Woodstock is actually a cover of Tuck & Patti's cover, which means I automatically love it! 20. Harper's Bizarre - Both Sides Now: Like I alluded to earlier, this one is on a re-released anthology CD, and is a nice slice of the poppy sound they did so well. 21. The Retards - Big Yellow Taxi: The one they're all talking about! :~D The Retards are from the UK, a punk band consisting of 3 14-15 year-old kids, who crunch and slam their way through BYT...they are to music what Edith Massey is to acting. The drums are probably the worst recorded instrument I've ever heard. This poor bloke has no sense of rhythm! The singer can't sing...you get the point. Anyway, it's so bad it's hilarious. 22. Something Extra - A Case of You: I couldn't leave the Volume on such a rocky and sour note, so we hear once again from the angelic voices of Something Extra, singing one of Joni's prettiest melodies. There, that's better... And so we come to a close of another ASTOUNDING collection of Joni tribute - 22 tracks, 74 1/2 minutes of hits! Don't be left out! If you want a copy, just let me know, I'm happy to copy for blanks & postage or costs for same. Bob NP: The Retards, "Big Yellow Taxi"
