SUTC:Finding Meaning in a 70's Warhorse
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Gary Wright's tune My Love Is Alive, was probably played on the radio 73,987,945 times in the 70's, bested only by his Dream Weaver in ubiquitousness. Richie Havens, amazingly, finds something in there. The cover comes from his excellent 2002 release Wishing Well, where he also takes on Pink Floyd (On The turning Away), while turning in some stellar originals with a much-more-than-folk style. The record barley got released in the states, but if you dig Richie's voice or his unique guitar stylings it is worth a look.
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Comments (10)
Nice. Richie Havens brought new meaning to Covers he has done so many...not heard this before, thanks
Word to this.
Thanks For this nice find...........
Thanks vets! It was released on a cool little label called Evangeline, which I think lost its life in an information super highway accident.
It been so long since I've heard Richie Havens, I'll have to add this one to the list of albums to find. I am not sure where I am going to buy CDs anymore as all the record stores seem to be closing.
This is one of my favorite kinds of cover - the kinds that discovers that kernel of greatness in a song generally regarded as insipid. I once met Mr. Havens on an airplane. I introduced himself, and he couldn't have been more of a gentleman.
Fantabulous interpretation.
Thanks for sharing!
Hey ivy,rummy! I once met Mr. Havens while he was browsing the Blues racks at Amoeba in SF. He was like you said ivy, a gentle man, indeed.
He does a good job of rescuing the song from ubiquity, with his simple arrangement and heartfelt-sounding vocals. It sounds like his choice of songs is adventurous. Gary Wright's version's lyrics and popularity probably made its insipid reputation inevitable; back then I was too out of touch to notice such consensus; for me Wright's arrangement does have its strengths.
I had originally titled this post, Covering 70's Cheez, but I realized I like Gary Wright's version...with one big exception..the lyrics. I think you ferreted out my true feelings there Dr. Spike. Finding meaning indeed.