Tune du Jour: “Expecting To Fly” – Buffalo Springfield
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes: Sonja Hunter vs. Jakob Dylan & Regina Spektor vs. Rusty Squeezebox
VOTE, COMMENT, then SELF-ACTUALIZE
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The Original
Buffalo Springfield:
THE CLASH of Cover Tunes
Sonja Hunter vs. Jakob Dylan & Regina Spektor vs. Rusty Squeezebox
Sonja Hunter:
Jakob Dylan & Regina Spektor:
Rusty Squeezebox:
SPACE
Oh the disharmony! Much like Harlan County there are no neutrals here. It is your solemn responsibility to decide which cover song prevails. In other words … Which Side Are You On!??!
Disclaimer: Votes cast from Florida may or may not be counted.
cover me impressed 
Sonja Hunter does a very nice cover and I like the female touch on the song.
The duet of Jacob Dylan and Regina Spektor produces a very nice touch. I really feel for Jacob. It must be really challenging trying to carve out his own identity in the music industry having a literal immortal as a father.
Rusty Squeezebox’s version is competent but it is too similar to the original to warrant consideration.
My vote goes to Jacob and Regina.
Such a light, airy song. Just floats on puffy clouds. A chance to use the word gossamer. The beautiful arrangement given by David Briggs suits this track surprisingly well. Normally I think simple and natural bring out the best in his style. I picked Sonja Hunter. I love her tone. It reminds me of Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star. Jakob Dylan opened the song well but it was Regina Spektor that brought more to it and added necessary light. A very good reading.
Rusty Squeezebox(what an awful name), opened the song well enough but by the 3/4 mark I slipped off and was canoeing down the Styx with Charon in heated pursuit as he had sussed the arcade token I passed off for the rental. Then I realized I was in an elevator listening to Muzak.
In Sonja Hunter’s version, it’s easier to follow the lyrics and appreciate the lovely melody.
At the time the original was released, many bands were experimenting with special effects, whether orchestral, psychedelic, et cetera. I don’t begrudge them their attempts to follow along in the spirit of the times. But I now wonder if they may have gone too far with the muted vocals, fragmentation and production, and treaded somewhat too heavily on such a beautiful song. I wonder what Neil’s original demo sounded like.
It’s such a nice, sweet song, and all three versions were done well. Ultimately, I went with Sonja Hunter’s very minimalist, stark, quiet version. I agree with Pete; her voice is reminiscent of Hope Sandoval’s (from Mazzy Star). I was a big Mazzy fan, so this influenced my decision.