Covers are a difficult thing to do well. The best pay tribute to an artist's work while making putting a unique stamp on it. But even with the best of intentions, it can go wrong for a variety of reasons - too close to the original, too drastic of a stylistic change or just a poor song choice. Here are four that I think got it right - great song, great performance:
From the ashes of DeYarmond Edison, two bands emerged. Megafaun set an adventurous course, exploring the the more experimental reaches of folk music. And, of course, Justin Vernon went on to form Bon Iver to massive critical acclaim and commercial success. But, that isn't the whole story. One ember continued to smolder and now, five years on, is ready to burst into flame.
Chris Porterfield has released two fantastic EPs under the name Conrad Plymouth. The first, self-titled EP, was a full-band effort that showcased his soul-bearing songwriting and simple-yet-dramatic folk compositions. The life, blood, sweat and tears that Porterfield shares on his achingly beautiful songs is haunting and deeply personal. "Fergus Falls", the gorgeous track that turns a story of downward spiral and ultimate recovery into an uplifting and triumphant anthem.
A second EP, a collection of stripped-down acoustic demos, was released last year as summer waned. These were cast-offs, tracks that were apparently unfit for the upcoming LP, but I was struck immediately by the raw beauty. I called the album (perhaps flippantly) "our generation's Nebraska" and gave it a well-deserved spot on my Favorite EPs of 2011 list. The EP's first track, "I Am Not Waiting Anymore" is a track I've turned to countless times over the past 6 months - a mantra, promise and a declaration. Lyrics that cut through the fog, denouncing indolence and embracing a new beginning.
Now operating under the name Field Report, Porterfield & co. are ready to step into the spotlight. The new incarnation of the band made their debut at SXSW, playing 9 shows in 3 days - from churches to bars to fancy, beer-sponsored outdoor bro-parties. I was lucky enough to attend two of the nine, and I was knocked on my ass both times. The quality of songwriting was not a surprise, but the passionate, fervid live performances were. In both cases I stood spellbound and dumbfounded, at once inspired to soak in the lyrics in rapt silence and to return the intense emotion in fist-pumping, catharsis. Field Report's live debut was absolutely stunning, and I cannot wait to hear the full record.
Both of the tracks I mentioned above from the previous EPs have been re-recorded and will appear on the full length. You can stream them both at Field Report's website, as well as here:
Here's a video of "I Am Not Waiting Anymore" from The Outlaw Roadshow at SXSW. Audio isn't great -- those weird pitch modulations are just my shitty camera -- but the greatness of the performance translates.
(Fun fact: see that photo up there on the right? Plaid shirt, front row...that's me)
I've fallen into a rut lately, and that has manifested itself as a lack of variety here on VV and in the social firehose that is twitter and facebook. Over the past couple months I've heaped a ton of gushing praise onto two artists in particular: The Wooden Sky and Conrad Plymouth. Both bands have new albums coming out in 2012, and I couldn't be more freaking stoked.
Knowing that I need to use some discretion with how much I write about these bands, for fear of alienating any readers that aren't quite as obsessed as I am, I'll just combine a few bits of information into a single post.
The Wooden Sky just released "Child Of The Valley" the first track off their upcoming LP Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Sun. It's great, as you would expect - starting as a gently-strummed folk tune and swelling to a crescendo that recalls a grittier Fleet Foxes.
We also have a Facebook campaign to get the band booked at Newport Folk in 2012...if you hear the above song and don't think it would sound sublime echoing across Newport Harbor, please leave this site immediately (not really). But if you do agree, go here to show your support for our campaign. Here's hoping we'll see these guys at Newport in July.
In other news... Kitchen Sessions shot a video of The Wooden Sky performing "Take Me Out" off their recent EP on a porch in Somerville. The video was featured in Paste Magazine's mPlayer...check it out below, and check back from more videos from their house show that day.
Conrad Plymouth is hard at work recording their debut LP with the help of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. I am obsessed with this band, and can't wait to hear the end result. In the meantime I wanted to share this great live video of "Fergus Falls" off their stellar 2010 EP.
Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 8:00AM 
