I try to keep a rotating spotlight on fresh new cover artists here, but every once in a while an artist earns a second look.
Today makes the first time I’ve featured a three-peat, however. That’s because Los Angeles-based funk combo Scary Pockets is just so darn good, and it seems like every year at this time they gift us with a creative take on one of Bruce Springsteen’s classic songs.
First, there was their incredibly cool cover of “Dancing in the Dark,” featuring Darrin Criss on lead vocals back in 2019. Then there was the time Rett Madison fronted an infectiously danceable version of “I’m on Fire” last year.
Today, Swatkins and Therese Curatolo front the band for a funky cover of a cover–Manfred Mann’s version of Bruce’s “Blinded by the Light.”
The group tips their hat to Bruce for the original, but it’s clear they take their inspiration from Manfred Mann’s adaptation, which went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. And it works perfectly, quickly settling into a irresistible groove.
Scary Pockets is headed out on tour across the U.S. and Canada next month, and with at least three Springsteen songs in their repertoire you might hear a familiar song or two if you catch them in person. Check out their tour schedule here.
