Anna Calvi - strange weather 12" - 2014 Domino – RUG600T
This ep is another example of how great she is.
Every song on here is a cover version which usually I find pretty boring but not when a musical genius like Anna puts out her own version of Suicide's 'Ghost Rider'. I love that track and was very interested in hearing her interpretation. Of course she didn't disappoint. What she does with the song is as close to being better than the original as possible. As close to being better because nothing will ever be better than an original recording. Not in any case.
Next to this track on the B-Side she also pays tribute to Marianne Faithfull (strange weather, which is actually on the only MF album I own), and David Bowie (lady grinning soul).
Side A features cover tunes of FKA Twigs' "Papi Pacify" and Connan Mockasin's "I'm The Man That Will Find You". Thus shedding light on contemporary Artists she likes, who I had never heard of before and yet have to check out.
With these recordings she combines the past and the future. Showcasing the history of music that helped form her sound and highlighting contemporaries who carry on as she sees fit. Who else does that? There are millions of tribute records out there dedicated to accomplished and recognised Artists but is there anyone besides Anna Calvi directing our attention towards Performers who are not (yet) well established in the way she does here? I can't think of one.
Great minds don't fear competition they feed off it.
Unfortunately my copy comes with a pressing error that causes the needle to vibrate and therefore make a pretty disturbing noise most recognisable during the 1st song on each side. I guess I have to get another copy. You should definitely be aware of that when purchasing your copy. Testplay the vinyl!!!
