Tag Archives: guest sessions

“Hey Love” (Better Than Ezra Cover)

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By Michael Brading:

This is an acoustic cover of the song “Hey Love” by Better Than Ezra.

** EDITOR’S NOTE: **

It’s been nearly a year and a half now since Jeff posted our first — and only — Better Than Ezra acoustic cover, so I jumped at the chance to feature this version of “Hey Love,” a track from 2009’s Paper Empire.  I was actually shocked to see that this song came from such a recent album, as this latest Better Than Ezra effort slipped past me entirely.  And I’ve made it my business to be in “the know” on new music releases since January of 2008, so that’s saying something.

It is on this note that I am happy to welcome Michael Brading back to the Laptop Sessions blog for his second highlighted appearance.  As you’ll see and hear, he has done an outstanding job here translating “Hey Love” to an entirely acoustic solo performance. He has “cheated” the LS formula a little with the subtly double-tracked lead vocal, but I have to admit that it’s to great effect.

Even as I write this, I’m still humming the song to myself, which is a sure sign that Michael not only picked out a great track, but also performed it well!

Here’s to a strong return to the blog for Michael, and to a relaxing Friday evening for us all.  Stay tuned this weekend for more all-new material from the Laptop Sessions blog…

“Is There Anybody Out There?” (Pink Floyd Cover)

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By Jeremy Hammond:

My cover of “Is There Anybody Out There?” by Pink Floyd from The Wall album. I don’t have classical guitar, so I’m playing it on a steel-string.

** EDITOR’S NOTE: **

Is there a better way to close out a long week than to listen to Jeremy’s beautiful rendition of this simple tune from Pink Floyd’s classic album The Wall?

I can’t think of one.

As you listen, you may be thinking back to this legendary concept album, and the significance of this question being asked — is there anybody out there?  As many critics and fans have pointed out, the decision to make this an instrumental clearly suggests that no answer is being given.

We thank Jeremy for highlighting another excellent album track for us, and wish you all a wonderful weekend.  Hopefully, it won’t be spent alone.  (And, if it is, then maybe it’s time to dust off your copy of The Wall!)

“Promises” (Eric Clapton Cover)

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By Jeremy Hammond:

My cover of “Promises” by Eric Clapton. A bit of my own interpretation, I end it with an improvised solo. The video consists of two tracks. For the first track, I recorded the rhythm and vocals in a single take. Then I laid down a second track over the first for the solo.

** EDITOR’S NOTE: **

Eric Clapton is arguably one of the greatest electric guitar players of all time.  Over the first ten years or so of his career, he played in a number of influential rock bands, not the least of which was Cream.  Once he formed Derek and the Dominoes, he went on to release perhaps his most famous song, “Layla.”  As he proved with his famous acoustic rendition of “Layla” during an MTV Unplugged performance, he also has a knack for acoustic performances.

“Promises,” a track from the 1978 Eric Clapton album Backless, is an excellent choice for an acoustic cover.  As you’ll hear, Jeremy has brought another great addition to the Laptop Sessions storehouse of cover song music videos, adding to the woefully meager portion of Clapton that we currently offer.  Admittedly, the solo at the end strays from the Laptop Sessions format, but for those of you purists out there, simply hit stop at the three minute mark.  Otherwise, sit back and enjoy a great improv at the end to top off this excellent performance!

“Eleanor Rigby” (Beatles Cover)

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By Federico Borluzzi:

Acoustic cover of “Eleanor Rigby” from the Revolver album (1966).  I didn’t have any orchestra, so I find my way to play this song with my acoustic guitar only.

** EDITOR’S NOTE: **

Go ahead and check out this stellar solo version of the Beatles classic “Eleanor Rigby.”  I, for one, wish I could fingerpick and sing at the same time like Federico can — I would have gotten a lot less comments on my “Just Breathe” (Pearl Jam) video, I can tell you that much!

The Laptop Sessions all began with Jim’s first Beatles cover song music video of “Here, There, and Everywhere,” and it’s always exciting to be able to induct a new, interesting cover into the Beatles category.  Thanks, Federico, for another great contribution to the Guest Sessions!