INCOMING | Bettye LaVette — Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook

[Anti-; May 24]

Inspired by the reaction to her cover of The Who’s ‘Love Reign O’er Me’ at a performing arts awards show in 2008, Bettye LaVette began to compile a new record comprising wholly of covers of songs by British rock acts, from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin to Pink Floyd and beyond.

Interpretations is the result; thirteen songs given a raw, soulful makeover that illustrates, as the label puts it, “the inexorable ties between British rock ‘n’ roll and the American blues and R&B, which when combined, catalysed popular music.”

Bettye previously covered Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s ‘Talking Old Soldiers’ on 2007′s The Scene Of The Crime, and here takes on ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’. Says Elton himself, “Bettye LaVette has always been a wonderful singer – I have been a huge fan for many years…I am truly touched by her picking these songs and can only hope that this album brings more attention to this incredible artist.”

Tracklist:
01 The Word [originally performed by The Beatles]
02 No Time To Live [originally performed by Traffic]
03 Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood [written by Bennie Benjamin/Gloria Caldwell/Sol Marcus]
04 All My Love [originally performed by Led Zeppelin]
05 Isn’t It A Pity [originally performed by George Harrison]
06 Wish You Were Here [originally performed by Pink Floyd]
07 It Don’t Come Easy [originally performed by Ringo Starr]
08 Maybe I’m Amazed [originally performed by Paul McCartney]
09 Salt Of The Earth [originally performed by Rolling Stones]
10 Nights In White Satin [originally performed by Moody Blues]
11 Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad [originally performed by Eric Clapton]
12 Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me [originally performed by Elton John]
13 Love Reign O’er Me [originally performed by The Who]

Tagged bettye lavette, interpretations