Covers, part 1

In response to the omission of the "Gloria" cover from the Stratosferic Band post, I have included it here.

So, I figured that this could be the first in a series of posts about cover songs that I have found...

1.) Rosebud - "Money" [Roger Waters]: this track is the B-side to a 1977 disco 12" on Warner. This jam kicks off with sweet synth bass, (synth?) harmonica, and spaceship soundscapes. Guits, bleeps, clavs, and key stabs surround the layers of female vocals echoing "goody good bullshit."

2.) Idris Muhammad - "House Of The Rising Sun" [Traditional]: This version came off of a 1976 Kudu promo 7" for Muhammad's album of the same title. Frank Floyd sings over this R&B/funk rendition, with David Sanborn on the sax and Eric Gale on guitars. This is a pretty tight little number, with a little bit of drama and some jazzy chops...

3.) The Stairsteps - "My Sweet Lord" [George Harrison]: This is taken from a 1971 Buddah Records release. It's a warm and emotive R&B/soul variation of the song. It has a slight gospel approach in the vocal call and response, while showcasing a slick rhythm section (there's even an occasional nod to Harrison's guitar stylings sprinkled amongst the sounds).

4.) Gogi Grant - "Somebody To Love" [Darby Slick]: This song sounds like everything Jefferson Airplane was trying not to be. But, there is something endearing about it. Gogi tries very hard to convince us that she is free... "Miss Grant is still performing, currently she headlined with The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies in Palm Springs, California (from Wikipedia)."

5.) The Moments - "I'll Be Around" [Thom Bell and Phil Hurtt]: This 1978 version (of the Spinners' 1973 hit) amazes me every time I hear it. It speeds up the tune into a soft, breathy, driving, soul-disco track. Every copy I've found sounds like a low-quality pressing, but I think it lends to the charm of the Iight synth work, slightly-present drums, and floaty vocals.

6.) Stratosferic Band - "Gloria" [Van Morrison]: The missing piece in the Stratosferic Band's Splash-terpiece...

GET THEM HERE