There was a hint of what was to come on this covers album by hipster favourites Field Music when they recorded versions of Pet Shop Boys ‘Heart’ and ‘Rent’ for Record Store Day earlier this year. If that gave a clue to the sort of song Field Music would be lending their 60s pop credentials to, it was a small hint.
The album gets under way with drums rolling and guitars clanging through the opening bars to ‘Terrapin’, the first track on Syd Barrett’s first album, with Robert Wyatt, Roxy Music and John Cale tracks also featuring. Arguably the most recognisable inclusion is Leonard Cohen’s ‘Suzanne’, which has been covered to death and is therefore an odd choice. It’s lush though and unmistakably Field Music. It sounds like a cover of ‘Suzanne’ though.
When the band dipped its hand into The Beatles immense catalogue they pulled out the Ringo-led White Album track ‘Don’t Pass Me By’, no doubt with a wry smile. It’s an awesome cover. The pace slows and quickens at intervals, the beat being picked apart in places. It’s full of humourous touches like a Harrison-esque guitar solo and experimentation that the Fab Four would have been proud of. It’s probably worth the price alone.
Anyone who can identify all the tracks contained here probably pays their Mojo subscription before their mortgage, but that’s what a covers album is supposed to do: put a new slant on songs you know and introduce you to ones you don’t. Okay, so this is most likely a fans-only purchase, but it sure sounds like the band had fun making it, and that’s what music is for.
Released on 1st October on Memphis Industries
Review written by Kevin Scott
