Last winter, we took a look at the outstandingly funky spin that Scary Pockets put on Bruce’s “Dancing in the Dark,” and I’ve been a fan of their consistently fresh, fun, and fantastic covers ever since. (Check out their archive here, but be forewarned: you can easily get lost for hours down that hole)
Now the folks behind Scary Pockets are back with a new series, simply called Stories.
Like Scary Pockets, Stories features a rotating cast of musicians and vocalists, but instead of funking it up, the Stories cover series features stripped-down (but no less inventive) arrangements that let the songwriter’s story shine through.
Their latest release features Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Garrison Starr at the microphone, fronting a beautiful acoustic rendition of “Born in the U.S.A.” that accentuates the pathos of the song rather than the anger or bitterness we’re more familiar with.
It’s a painstakingly textured and nuanced arrangement, gently but deeply sad. Play this for someone who’s never paid much attention to the lyrics, and I guarantee they will this time.
Once again, I’m an instant fan; once again, I’m about to lose way too much time exploring their wonderful library.
Keep ’em coming, guys.
