“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!

“Seven” (David Bowie Cover)

By Federico Borluzzi:

Acoustic cover of “Seven”, a song included in David Bowie’s “Hours” album (1999). Played with acoustic guitar and harmonica.

** EDITOR’S NOTE: **

I love how the Guest Sessions Fridays have become days to feature songs by performers around the globe, most notably Jeremy Hammond and today’s featured performer, Federico Borluzzi.  Even though we may be in different countries with different native languages, there are still certain artists and songs who transcend such boundaries.

We hope you’ll enjoy today’s Guest Session — a fairly recent David Bowie song, one which was originally used for a video game before it was re-recorded and featured as Bowie’s second single of the new millennium.  As usual, Federico has done a nice job translating this track into a simple acoustic arrangement, adding harmonica — all played live in one take!

Happy Friday!

“Laughing” by the Goo Goo Dolls – Chords & How to Play

“Laughing”
The Goo Goo Dolls

C#                     B                           A             E                   B
I wake up, I’m staring at the clock; my belly hurts and my head is like a rock.
I get up to see what I can see; furthest I got was my black and white TV.
Eyewitness news brought to you at noon; oh my God guess I got up too soon because…

E                   A
Oh I feel like laughing
Oh I feel like laughing
Oh I feel like laughing
B         A          E
all because of you

C#                     B                           A       E                     B
I didn’t mean to wear this disguise, but I can’t stand the look in my eyes.
Oh, I didn’t mean to lie; I was doing what I thought was right.
Come on, walk right down the line; you’ll be walking til the end of time because…

E                   A
Oh, I feel like laughing,
Oh, I feel like laughing,
Oh, I feel like laughing,
B         A          E
all because of you.

SOLO (over verse chords)

E                   A
Oh, I feel like laughing,
Oh, I feel like laughing,
Oh, I feel like laughing,
B         A          E
all because of you.

** These chords and lyrics are interpretations and transcriptions, respectively, and are the sole property of the copyright holder(s).  They are posted on this website free of charge for no profit for the purpose of study and commentary, as allowed for under the “fair use” provision of U.S. copyright law, and should only be used for such personal and/or academic work. **

“Misunderstandings” (Indie Music – Acoustic Rock!)

By Chris Moore:

Hi, and welcome back to another all-new edition of “Original Wednesday” here at guitarbucketlist.com! This is a song from Jim’s My Other Half album — a double CD release that highlighted some of his earliest guitar work. Of course, I’ve swapped out his guitar solo here for a rip-roarin’ harmonica solo! 🙂

I’ve always enjoyed playing this song, and I wanted to share it with you.

[WARNING: shameless plug in 3, 2, 1…]

And, if you’re interested in hearing the fully-produced studio version of this song or buying other Jim Fusco albums, you can go to the F-M store at www.fusco-moore.com/store! This is also where our free MP3 downloads of the Laptop Sessions will be available in a few weeks.

As always, thanks for listening! Jeff will be back tomorrow with another all-new, non-“original” Laptop Session!