Did you undertake any small projects during lock down? What about a beautifully produced, fully-formed album of a selection of cover songs? It beats baking, gardening, and painting hands down. Then again, it helps if you happen to have an outstanding, distinctive voice, a partner who just happens to be a truly gifted multi-instrumentalist and access to top-notch recording equipment.
‘Hand Me Down’ is the latest album from English – nay Yorkshire – folk singer Kate Rusby. It seems the seed of the idea came about when she appeared on the Jo Whiley BBC Radio 2 show, on which guest singers are asked to play a cover version of their choice. This lead to performances of ‘Don’t Go Away’ by Oasis and subsequently ‘Friday I’m in Love’ by the Cure.
This record features 12 covers from an amazing array of artists; comprising works by Prince, Coldplay, Ray Davies of The Kinks, Lyle Lovett, Taylor Swift, James Taylor, and even Bob Marley. There’s lots of great material to work with there but does it work I hear you ask?
Indeed such albums often sound good on paper; take a fine singer, put them slightly outside their comfort zone but with really strong songs, easy isn’t it? Well, I suspect it isn’t that simple and quite a few covers albums really haven’t worked. But, fear not, this one works nicely and then some.
Kate is straight into her stride with a nice take on ‘Manic Monday’ and the tone for the instrumental work is set by the gifted playing of husband Damien O’Kane on a range of stringed things, notably guitar and banjo. The couple’s two young daughters add backing vocals. It’s a real family job this.
Kate chooses her material well. The Lyle Lovett song ‘If I Had A Boat’ is nice to hear. ‘True Colours’ is clearly a different take from Cyndi Lauper. It’s a bold choice and well handled.
It wouldn’t really be a covers album without a James Taylor song and ‘Carolina On My Mind’ doesn’t disappoint. And just when you think it’s all drifting to a gentle end, up comes Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’, inspired it seems by Kate and her two daughters dressing as birds and singing for her mother.
It’s hard to think of a more uplifting lockdown project. Well done to all involved.