part 1 SEXUAL HEALING

I really like covers. Its the familiarity of something we know, which is comforting, plus the excitement of something we don't, which is intriguing. There are some songs which lend themselves beautifully to reinterpretations.


Original- Marvin Gaye

 Sexual Healing was written my Marvin Gaye and Odell Brown and released in 1982.
It is certainly very smooth soul, but it doesn't suffer from the 80's production, it's got a great groove and Marvin's vocal is top class. Here is the extended version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn4i8bAfnMY


Cover- Ben Harper

Ben really gets the feel of this song. Sexy but also a little desperate, regardless very seductive. This song has been popping up in his live set for years. He keeps it simple with just vocal and acoustic guitar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9uUW4jBatc


Cover- Kate Bush

When I heard about this cover I was actually a little nervous. It shouldn't really work, but I think it does. However, if you want to divide a room of music fans, put this on- there doesn't seem to be an accepted opinion, which is great. Although it's a reasonably recent release, she has kept that 80's synth meandering for the verses. The surprise is the Uillean pipes in the chorus. Yep, that happens.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aL3PjNTqwU


Cover- Hot 8 Brass Band

One of my favourites, this time from 2007. Inspired. The New Orleans collective more than do this justice. Mostly instrumental, but the guys come together on a loose vocal around 2.38s. It has a great groove and feels like a celebration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s75WIkQBYzk



Cover- Hot Chip

Certainly different. I think I would quite like this one, if there was less of whatever delay/repetition effect they've got going on with the vocals. Alexis Taylor's vocals are nice and vulnerable which works, but I think it's the least sensual version. The percussion arrangement is pretty interesting though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8ZKvnrZ-VY



Cover- George Michael

Now from my point of view, this is a pointless cover, as it's not a re-imagining in any way. It's very faithful, but that's the problem. If you you can't sing it better than Marvin and you are just recreating the backing track, what's the point? It's probably good for a George Michael fan who likes this song. He's got a voice on him, so we will let him off.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1G8NXR96sQ



And for the random featured youtube cover..... Greg and Brandon Hurt!
A sweet dual guitar instrumental. Lovely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4YKjMQMa2s


And I'm not going to include the Soul Asylum cover, because frankly I can't get through a full listen.