Debuting higher on the charts than any previous album from the National, High Violet deserves the attention: these are some of the most pensive, most beautifully orchestrated tracks they’ve released (particularly on the second half of the album), even if they do threaten to lull you into a forlorn stupor by the end.
Top Two Tracks:
“Conversation 16” & “Lemonworld”
Editor’s note: this post was originally published before December 2015; the exact original date is uncertain.
Hello and welcome to the unveiling of our most recent addition to the Guest Sessions, a new segment on the Laptop Sessions music blog that opens up the blog to YOUR cover song music videos! Tonight, we have the pleasure of bringing you a change from the norm for us. This is one of the few instrumental acoustic covers we have presented over the years.
Tonight’s video was recorded by Paul Karp. He writes,
“I recorded an instrumental tune by Jorma Kaukonen titled ‘Fur Peace Rag.’
I started playing guitar when I was 16 years old after listening to the first Hot Tuna album. Jorma has been an inspiration over the years and his style of playing continues to amaze me even after being a fan for over 30 years.”
A quick Wikipedia search will explain that Kaukonen was a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, which he helped score two top ten hits in 1967. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and although he is known for being a folk singer/musician, he was struck by the power of electric music early on, continuing to be fascinated by the technological advancements. Kaukonen continues to be active musically to this day.
So thank you, Paul, for submitting this video. Now we hope all of you will enjoy listening to it!
Editor’s note: this post was originally published before December 2015; the exact original date is uncertain.
The only “revolution” that happened between 2001’s excellent Reptile and Back Home was Eric Clapton’s conversion to the school of light contemporary snooze rock, filling up his new album with instrumentally pedestrian and lyrically boring recordings; Clapton’s guitarwork is, as always, interesting, but that can’t save most songs from dragging on a minute too long (“Love Don’t Love Nobody” has no business being over seven minutes!) or the background singers from drawing a smirk.
Top Two Tracks:
“So Tired” & “Back Home”
Honorable Mention:
“Love Comes to Everyone” (yes, the George Harrison song, recorded as a tribute following his death and recognized here for sounding so much like the original)
Editor’s note: this post was originally published before December 2015; the exact original date is uncertain.
Cover of ”Wild Honey,” included in U2’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind album (2000). I played it with acoustic guitar in a lower key.
** EDITOR’S NOTE: **
It feels odd to refer to Federico as a guest performer, considering how many of his performances he’s shared with the Laptop Sessions blog. He’s back again today with another excellent video.
As I discovered last time he covered U2, I enjoy the band’s music so much more when Federico is the one performing it! 🙂
Well, U2 fan or not, I hope that you’ll enjoy his cover song version of “Wild Honey.”
Stay tuned for more great new material coming soon to the blog!
Editor’s note: this post was originally published before December 2015; the exact original date is uncertain.
