“Every Grain of Sand” (Bob Dylan Cover)

By Federico Borluzzi:

Unplugged cover of Bob Dylan’s “Every Grain Of Sand” (from the Shot Of Love album – 1981), with acoustic guitar and harmonica.  I changed the two harmonica solos to fit my harmonica skills (I have a lot to learn before I can play exactly what Dylan plays) and the possibilities of my G tuned harmonica.

** EDITOR’S NOTE: **

In his first contribution to the Laptop Sessions acoustic cover song music video blog, Federico has chosen a beautiful little number.  I wonder if he was aware of my love for Bob Dylan when he decided to submit this video…

He certainly couldn’t have been aware of how much I love this underrated gem of an album, Shot of Love.  Often considered the third in his “born-again Christian trilogy” of studio albums, Shot of Love is actually more of a transition album.  Critics tore this release apart, often with the exception of “Every Grain of Sand.”  And, truly, Federico couldn’t have chosen a better song to translate into an acoustic cover.  Although his harmonica is not spot-on, it is clearly because of the key the harmonica is in.  He has a knack for matching the fingerpicking pattern as well as the harmonica tabs — any Dylan fan will be able to hear how close his solo is to the original, all except for the key, that is.

And, again, I’m thrilled at his choice of album.  Shot of Love may have been panned by fans and critics alike, but there are some excellent tracks.  Consider “Heart of Mine,” percussion by none other than Ringo Starr.  Then, there’s the striking “Lenny Bruce.”  “Property of Jesus” may be dismissed as just another “Christian song,” but it’s a catchy and effective one.  And, although it wasn’t included on pressings until four years later, “The Groom’s Still Waiting at the Altar” is a phenomenal Dylan track.

So, listen to Federico’s first session, and get out there and listen to Shot of Love if you’ve been missing out all these years!

“The Jolly Banker” by Wilco (A Woody Guthrie Cover) – Chords, Tabs, & How to Play

For the music video of this Wilco/Woody Guthrie cover, CLICK HERE!

“The Jolly Banker”
Wilco (a Woody Guthrie cover)

G                                            C
My name is Tom Cranker, and I’m a jolly banker,
G                                                  D
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
C                                            G
I safeguard the farmers and widows and orphans,
G                                             D               G
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When dust storms are sailing, and crops they are failing,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I check up your shortage and bring down your mortgage,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When money you’re needing, and mouths you are feeding,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I’ll plaster your home with a furniture loan,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

If you show me you need it, I’ll let you have credit;
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
Just bring me back two for the one I lend you,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When your car you’re losin’ and sadly your cruisin’,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I’ll come and foreclose, get your car and your clothes,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When the bugs get your cotton, the times they are rotten,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I’ll come down and help you, I’ll rape you and scalp you,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

When the landlords abuse you or sadly misuse you,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I’ll send down the police to keep you from mischief,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.

“Spies” (Coldplay Cover)

By Jeff Copperthite:

Welcome once again to Thumpin’ Thursday. It’s Jeff today bringing you the next video in our ongoing series.

I’ve got a real cool tune coming your way today. It’s another new band here on guitarbucketlist.com, and the band is Coldplay. While Coldplay is among one of the more critiqued bands out there, it is hard to deny that they come out with great sounding songs. I’m always impressed by the guitar work on the two albums I own from them. The song I have chosen to play is “Spies” from their album Parachutes.

The song itself is not in standard tuning, and I at first tried to figure this song out. However I picked it up quickly once I learned the alternate tuning that is used in the song. It has a cool feel along with a unique sound.

As far as my performance, the bridge was the hardest part in this take, but despite mis-fingering two chords in the bridge, the rest of it is quite solid and brings out the spirit of the song.

It also translates well to acoustic, since the recorded version is also heavily based on acoustic.

Also, remember that I will be playing w/ Masters of the Universe this coming Wednesday @ the Southern CT University talent show. If you are in the area and want to hear a great free show and some great talent, please join us! More information can be found on http://www.jimfusco.com

Check back tomorrow for Jim’s latest video!

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Jeff’s acoustic cover song music videos are no longer on YouTube, but we decided to keep his cover song blog posts up.  We figured these music blog entries would be good for posterity’s sake and because Jeff always gave such insightful posts each Session.  We hope to see Jeff’s impressive catalog of acoustic rock songs here on the Laptop Sessions cover songs and original music blog again in the future.  But, for now, please make sure to check-out hundreds of other acoustic cover songs from all of your favorite bands here on the Laptop Sessions music blog!

“Solitaire” (Wilco Cover)

For Wilco (the album) chords and lyrics, CLICK HERE!

By Chris Moore:

Hello and welcome to another all-new edition of “Chris Moore Monday” here at the best acoustic rock cover song blog on the web today!  For the first time in almost three months, it is my pleasure to bring you a song that has yet to be released.

“Solitaire” is a track from Wilco’s new album, which will be released tomorrow and is titled Wilco (the album).  A few weeks ago, Wilco streamed the entire album on their website for fans to listen to.  This is a tradition stretching back to when they streamed Yankee Hotel Foxtrot online after being dropped from their label at the turn of the millennium.  This time around, I even broke my general rule of waiting to hear an album until it is released in full.  While I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to listen, I also felt like I was breaking a sacred rule, as well as building myself up for disappointment when they stopped streaming it and I had to wait for the album to come out on June 30th.

My solution?

I decided to listen to it only once straight through, and I ended up talking on the phone and doing other work, so I got only a taste of what is to come tomorrow on New Music Tuesday.

From what I heard, I am very much looking forward to hearing the album in full through my car stereo and without distractions.  To help prepare and build up anticipation for tomorrow, I found a YouTube recording of the eighth track, “Solitaire,” and I actually found a good set of chords online already to help me learn the song.  Go figure: accurate chords online…

Anyway, I’m off to watch a replay of last week’s episode of TNA Impact! with Jim, Mike, and their father.  Apparently, their dad was also out of town and missed what has been said to be one of the best Impact!‘s of the year.  I’m excited, and thus I’m cutting my post a bit shorter than usual tonight so I don’t miss any.

I’ll be back soon with more writing and posting than usual if I have my way, as I am officially on summer break and beginning to plan out the next two months so that they are relaxing, and yet productive.

See you next session!