“Can’t You See” (Marshall Tucker Band Cover)

By Jim Fusco:

I got into this song for a couple of reasons.  My father always liked this song, but one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Hill, enjoyed this tune, as well.  I am happy to bring this song to the Laptop Sessions cover song video series tonight because it’s become one of those favorites that conjures up an, “Oh, man, turn it UP!”

I’m pinch-hitting for Jeff today and Chris will be taking my place tomorrow. Sounds confusing, eh? Well, it all means that I’ll be back for the start of my Original Wednesday week on Sunday and Jeff will have to do Friday and Saturday himself. Actually, he’ll probably be doing an Original Friday instead!

“Can’t You See” by the Marshall Tucker Band is, in my opinion, one of the greatest three-chord songs ever written. I’m almost embarrassed to play such a simple song here on The Laptop Sessions, because songs I normally play require hours and hours of learning and practice. This song was a two-take job, however, because I hadn’t quite thought-out the ending where the backgrounds keep singing, “Can’t You See” and the lead sings the first verse over again. I got flustered on the first take of this cover video and flubbed the first verse. I think it came out, “Gonna take a freight train, all the way to Georgia now, don’t care where it goes.” Hmmm, I have an idea- maybe….Georgia!!! 🙂 So, that take was ruined.

The song I’ll be posting for you next is also a three chord song, essentially, so I guess I got off easy this week. But, this adds yet ANOTHER new band to the Laptop Sessions cover and original song series, so I hope the trend continues. That is, if Chris doesn’t have anymore meetings that force us to delve deeper into the Bob Dylan back-catalog. You know, I was just thinking- I haven’t done a Beach Boys song in a long while. I have a few ready to record, but I just have so many other songs that I want to explore that it seems like a cop-out to record another Beach Boys song. Well, that’s the thing about the Laptop Sessions: as a musician who does all of these acoustic cover videos, I have to make a decision between doing songs that I love and songs that will help us get more eyes on the website. Thankfully Chris and Jeff take some of the newer bands, as I’m trying to round-up every last band from the 60s and 70s I can. See you on Sunday, as I get another break for a few days!

“Do It Again” (Steely Dan Cover)

By Jim Fusco:

Yes, yes, it’s Jim Fusco bringing you yet another new band to the Laptop Sessions music video series!  Tonight, I bring you an acoustic cover song from Steely Dan.  This “band” is really more of a studio act, however, I heard that they’re touring again this year.  I’d LOVE to see if this song is still sung in the same key because it’s a stretch even for a 24-year old Jim Fusco.  I’ve been sick lately, so I couldn’t sing it until now.  I’ve had the lyrics on my kitchen table for about two months, it seems.

This song, which I know will be the case with Becky, is one of those ones you’ve heard a thousand times on the radio, but had no idea who did it.  That was the case with me, too, before I sat down and decided to do the Laptop Session of it.  Steely Dan is also famous for “Ricky Don’t Lose That Number”, another very recognizable one.

I love this song.  It’s got such a great tune, is sung in a high register, and has some cool chords on the chorus.  Don’t be fooled by those other “cover artists” out there that sing the song without a capo- this song is sung MUCH higher, as my version will attest to.  The lyrics are cool, too, as they tell of a real low-life guy that seems to have a combination of a bad attitude and bad luck.

Enjoy tonight’s Laptop Sessions music video and you know I’ll be bringing more and more new bands straight to your eyes and ears in the coming weeks as we look towards the end of the Session-A-Day project here on the Laptop Sessions acoustic cover (and original) songs music video blog!

“You’re Sixteen” (Ringo Starr Cover)

By Jim Fusco:

Welcome to a slightly-belated Monday, Monday edition of the Laptop Sessions!  Due to Rosh Hashanna celebrations, Jeff asked if Mike could step in.  When that didn’t work out, it was left up to me to fill the space so the Laptop Session a day project can continue!  I’ll have tonight’s video and tomorrow’s, as well, so Jeff will replace my regularly-scheduled acoustic cover song on Friday.  Whippee- no video for me until Monday!

Tonight, you get Ringo Starr’s only Number One Billboard Hot 100 hit in “You’re Sixteen”.  This has to be one of the most fun videos I’ve ever done and if you watch it, you’ll know why.  My version even features the famous kazoo solo, originally played by one Sir Paul McCartney!

I love listening to random mode on my iPod (the “old” 80 gig model).  I heard this song again (I’ve known it for years- who hasn’t?) and then decided to listen to the entire “Ringo” album.  What a great one, including (no pun intended) the song “I’m The Greatest”, which I believe was written by John Lennon.  Ringo always did collaborations well.  Fans will hopefully remember “Never Without You” that he did for George Harrison with a guitar solo by the great Eric Clapton.

I suppose I should give Ringo songs a rest for a while, as I’ve done two recently.  Which one, you ask?  Well, the best way to find out these things is to visit the Laptop Sessions music video blog every single day, but if you missed it, you can just go to the Categories menu in the left bar and click on “Ringo Starr songs”.  Until tomorrow, have a great one!

“I Can’t Stand It” (Eric Clapton Cover)

By Jim Fusco:

Well, I had a day today.  That’s why I had to post so late- a combination of tiredness, emotions, victory, and forgetfulness…mostly forgetfulness.

Tonight, I bring you a song by Eric Clapton that I know little about, but just heard it in the car a couple times and decided that it was a good song to do for the Sessions.  It’s a new one I learned recently, so I hope that you’ll become a fan, too, if you haven’t heard it yet.

I do know that it’s from the early 1980s, but I’m willing to receive a full history lesson if anyone wishes to provide one for me.  I enjoy the tune of this song and the kind of laid-back way Clapton sings it.  I find that kind of funny considering how he’s proclaiming that he’s through putting-up with his significant other “runnin’ around” and “foolin’ around”.  You think he’d be a bit angrier…

On a separate note, as this is meant to be a blog and not just a place to post videos, I’d like to extend a heartfelt condolence to anyone who has recently lost someone in their lives.  The people who care about you won’t let you feel alone.  I personally have felt that I wasn’t able to be there for people during some important times, but I feel good knowing that I can be there for them now and won’t let them down.  I’m always available for hanging out, late-night Taco Bell, PS2 baseball, the movies, TV shows, baseball live on TV, or just general hanging-out at any time.  And I don’t mean that as a sympathy thing, either.  I mean it as that’s the way I’ve always wanted it to be, but haven’t had for a long time.  So, I hope that it’s the way it’ll become from now on and into the future, no matter who ends up coming into or leaving our lives.

Good night everyone and stay tuned for another great tune from Chris Moore kicking off this week on the video blog.  You know that a Sunday, Sunday, Sunday video means that person gets an Original Wednesday pick, so we’re all excited to see what he’ll come out with next!