Singer/songwriter Amos Lee blogs for AOL Radio this week, sharing his favorite covered songs -- from Mark Lanegan to Bonnie Raitt -- in honor of his recent project where he covered Fred Neil's 'Little Bit O' Rain (which you can hear on our Adult Alternative Station). Be sure to Listen to Lee's commentary about how he picked Neil's song (off of 'Bleeker & MacDougal') and check out his list below!
In light of my involvement with 'The Village' project, I have put together a playlist of some of my favorite cover versions of songs that were written by artists living in or passing through Greenwich Village during the '50s, '60s, and '70s.
10) Aretha Franklin: 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'
Written by Paul Simon
I can't imagine sitting on the other side of the glass while this was being recorded, and not feeling like life was worth the struggle.
9) The 5th Dimension: 'Stone Soul Picnic'
Written by Laura Nyro
Deviled eggs, smiles all around...can I picnic?
8) Nina Simone: 'Suzanne'
Written by Leonard Cohen
Seems like a destined musical marriage. I hope they got to play and sing together while they shared the planet.
7) Bonnie Raitt: 'Everybody's Cryin' Mercy'
Written by Mose Allison
Truth from Mose. Truth from Bonnie.
6) Tim Hardin: 'Blues on the Ceiling'
Written by Fred Neil
Feels kind of like just the two of us in a subway station between trains.
5) Chris Whitley: 'Drifting'
Written by Jimi Hendrix
Bare and beautiful. Not sure Jimi always gets his proper due as a songwriter, but he has always been one of my favorites.
4) Taj Mahal: 'Candy Man'
Written by Rev. Gary Davis
Got a banjo and I'm blue. Not for long.
3) Prince: 'Case of You'
Written by Joni Mitchell
Sexy and sad. An undeniable combination. The piano solo kills me.
2) Bill Withers: 'Everbody's Talkin''
Written by Fred Neil
I have two Fred Neil songs on this list, and this one is included purely because I have an unabashed affection for Bill Withers.
1) Howard Tate: 'Girl of the North Country'
Written by Bob Dylan
The first couple times I heard this record, I didn't realize this was a Dylan Song, even though I knew the original version pretty well. When I figured out it was, I liked it even more.
Listen to Amos Lee on Adult Alternative Radio
1. Amos, you're absolutely one of my all-time favorites! Even tho' I'm a "child of the 60's" I try to search out singer/songwriters with soul and you are at the top of the list. Great song selections, by the way.
When are you coming to the LA area? Saw you in Portland, OR several times.
Dee
Posted at 11:32PM on Nov 6th 2009 by Dee Batis