This.
For anyone who thinks “57 Channels (And Nothin’ On)” sizzles on vinyl but fizzled on stage, this is how you capture the dystopian alienation of Bruce’s original without distorting it into the production number it became during Bruce’s 1992-1993 tour. Courtesy of Red Melancon and his band:
Melancon did more than just cover “57 Channels” live–he released it on his latest album, Pinkville, as well.
Pinkville is a strong collection of gritty southern rock, featuring a collection of original songs dark and twisted enough to sound like an electric Nebraska.
Rod’s cover of “57 Channels (An Nothin’ On)” fits so seamlessly on the album that it makes you realize just how at home the original would have been on Nebraska as well, in a different arrangement.
For more music from Melancon, check out his official site here.
Long ago. I changed the title in my head to “700 Channels (and Nothin’ On ).” That would be in keeping with today’s cable systems. Plus, 700 sounds a lot like 57, as both have four syllables. Just sayin’.
Brilliant! 🙂