Good Cover Version: Futurebirds Does Ray Charles

Pulp gave the world the song "Bad Cover Version." But seeing as I'm a sonic optimist, I'm of the belief that there's more likely than not more good cover versions floating around than bad ones. Good Cover Version celebrates the good, and leaves all that bad and ugly stuff alone.

How do you possibly improve on a Ray Charles song? It's a tall order, let's not kid ourselves. But the rambling dudes from Athens, Futurebirds, gamely gave it a heck of a college try, and their version of "Midnight" offers up slow motion late night moments, complete with a boon of brass and plenty of wistful what-ifs. A mighty fine effort if I do say so myself.  




[posted 12.30.15]