The Book Of Right On – Joanna Newsom

20 03 2008

The first post of this blog is the first cover I worked on since I first imagined this Write Off project. I was actually having some trouble with the new original material I was writing and needed something to help me get over my writer’s block. I thought maybe I’d try a hand at recording some covers to get the juices flowing. The first one I came up with was The Book Of Right On by Joanna Newsom. (Hint: click the grayish link!)

Right away I knew I was on to something as far as how free I felt toying around with someone else’s song. Let me try and explain. When you’re working on your own song and trying to come up with chords, melody, lyrics, orchestration, etc., there’s a pressure you put on yourself to make sure all of the parts add up to a greater whole. But if you take out the whole “writing” part of it, suddenly you’re free to think about the littler things. Like what if this song was done as a synthy, hip-hop beat? And what if I sang the vocal through a used paper towel roll? (true, by the way).

Anyway, if you’re here because you are my friend, then god bless you and I love you. If you’re here by accident, then cheers to you.

Best, Peter (ACA)


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10 responses

20 03 2008
Steamy

Hey man, Love the blog…
Well, its one post deep at the moment, but I can see that this blog is going places…
Right on!

and I have always loved that cover of joanna newsom…
keep em coming

20 03 2008
vanessa v

yes. i might even like it better than the original… don’t tell joanna newsom that..

21 03 2008
Jenna

Hey Peter! Cool stuff – indeed, what if….? It’s fun to hear what came out of your “what if-ing” – thanks for sharing it. It sounds great, by the way and way to recycle a used paper towel roll!

21 03 2008
Lara

Right on, Peter! I never heard the original, but I’m compelled to listen after hearing your version. It’s interesting — the techy/electronic feel you give it seems really fitting, especially during the verses. Nice work. I like this idea…!

21 03 2008
allcityaffairs

Thanks ya’ll for checking it out and leaving some feedback. Jenna and Vanessa, did you recognize the setting of the photo in the banner? That’s the OTS front office. Miriam took that picture. Lara, you should check out the original song. Very stripped down, just vocal and harp. Nice and haunting.

25 03 2008
Boris Kenton

Where is The Love by Donny Hathaway/Roberta Flack. Done in the style of Gary Numan, with special guest Ian Anderson. :-)

26 03 2008
allcityaffairs

Boris (if that’s your real name…)

I can’t promise that I can combine all three of those artists into one cover, but I like the flair you’re bringing. How about a Gary Numan cover in the near future? THAT I CAN do. Oh, and by the way, I have a flute that I’ve been meaning to learn how to play for a long time. Maybe I’ll do a little Ian Anderson practicing in my own room.

27 03 2008
jon steinmeier

peter! this is great man! great feel, terrific sounds! well done bro.

i like you and yer blog. and yer face. and that dropping bass thingy.

28 03 2008
alby

Where can I find this book? I’m sure it’d do me some good to read it. ;-) Great cover, I’m looking forward to your upcoming posts…

4 04 2008
Julie B.

Hmmm, that background in the banner does look familiar…

Me likey. Me likey lots.

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