Having just released a new album – volume 1 of a series of covers and originals – Irish duo The Lost Brothers, have now shared a track from the collection, featuring Bill Ryder Jones on vocals.
Offered as a tribute to the late, great Leonard Cohen, the group have shared their cover of ‘So Long Marianne’. And, though you might think it would be impossible to do justice to the wonderful Cohen, they totally manage it.
A subtle, under-stated, stripped back rendition of the track, it flows with delicate chords, the distinct smooth huskiness of Ryder Jones’ vocals and sweeping harmonies from The Lost Brothers. A heartfelt, and beautifully moving, cover of the original.
Being able to pull off singing anything written by Leonard Cohen is quite a feat, but Ryder Jones is able to put his own, unique Scouse touch on ‘So Long Marianne’, whilst not losing any of the emotion-strewn power of the tear-jerking classic.
As a huge Cohen fan (who is still struggling with his loss), I can honestly say that this is a perfect tribute from one group of great musicians to another.
Watch a live recording of the track at Parr St. Studios in Liverpool here:
Produced by Bill Ryder Jones, Bird Dog Tapes Vol 1, the new album from The Lost Brothers, is out now on Bird Dog, and available here.
Mari Lane
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