Tag Archives: federico borluzzi

“Sister Morphine” (Rolling Stones Cover)

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By Federico Borluzzi:

Acoustic cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Sister Morphine,” from their 1971 Sticky Fingers album.

** EDITOR’S NOTE: **

As Federico referenced above — and as you can see at the beginning of the video when he holds up the album cover — “Sister Morphine” is a deep track from 1971’s Sticky Fingers.  The album has received very positive news, so this, along with the fact that “Wild Horses” hails from this record and Federico saw fit to pick from it, has made me believe I should make this my next Rolling Stones purchase.

I hesitate to admit this, but I’ve never listened to a Rolling Stones album…

Perhaps it’s time.

“Sister Morphine” was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards along with Marianne Faithfull, who released the track as a B-side in 1969.  It apparently took some legal intervention to get Jagger and Richards to include her name in the credits on the album.

Regardless of who had what part in writing it, Federico has brought his A-game as per usual, and has extended the great Laptop Sessions tradition of presenting an acoustic cover song that gets others interested in the original recording.

For now, enjoy his version and explore the archives for more Laptop Sessions covers.

Editor’s note: this post was originally published before December 2015; the exact original date is uncertain.

More Laptop Sessions covers

“Every Grain of Sand” (Bob Dylan Cover)

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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!

Editor’s note: this post was originally published before December 2015; the exact original date is uncertain.

More Laptop Sessions covers

“Wild Honey” (U2 Cover)

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By Federico Borluzzi:

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.

More Laptop Sessions covers

“Beat It” (Michael Jackson Cover)

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By Federico Borluzzi:

Acoustic cover of Michael Jackson’s song “Beat It,” from the 1982 Thriller album.  I changed the guitar parts, creating an alternative version of this song which is okay for my acoustic version.

** EDITOR’S NOTE **

This is a moment I didn’t see coming…

Introducing the first Michael Jackson acoustic cover song to the Laptop Sessions, care of Guest Sessions regular Federico Borluzzi!  For tonight’s installment, he’s come up with quite an interesting arrangement for this early eighties hit.  On his YouTube page, Federico writes, “This cover is intended to be a tribute to Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, who’s gone too soon and whose death shocked me and the whole world. He left us a legacy of great songs, such as this one… I did an alternative, quiet and acoustic cover…”

I think you’ll agree as you listen that this is a fitting tribute, and it’s done in the Laptop Sessions tradition of stripping a fully produced (and sometimes over-produced) song down to its core elements.  From the opening moments of the video, Federico sets a mesmerizing fingerpicking pattern that will guide the whole song, and is indeed one of the highlights of his performance.

I hope you enjoy this video — I know I did, and I couldn’t be happier to present this week’s Guest Session.  Hurry back for new articles and announcements throughout the weekend!

Editor’s note: this post was originally published before December 2015; the exact original date is uncertain.

More Laptop Sessions covers