This is going to be a new feature (again irregular feature) here on the Great Pumpkin, and I think this edition is going to be one of the most unique from the series, and it is only the first. When I find a unique cover song I will be posting it along with the original (if possible), and in this case both versions are unique, and wonderful.
The original version of “This Blackest Purse” was written and recorded by Why?, and was released on the album Eskimo Snow this year (actually recorded during the Alopecia sessions). Why? is one of those artist that I know from the early days of Anticon (see below), and have occasionally caught part of his sets over the years (when playing with Islands or Mount Eerie) but haven’t followed his career that closely… no reason really either. “This Blackest Purse” is an experimental piano pop song, a little Ben Folds-esque, but definitely with the bizarre twists, and lyrics, that Why? is known for.
[mp3] Why?- “This Blackest Purse” (buy Eskimo Snow here)
Recently P4k posted a cover of this track that Karl Blau did, and while it is no surprise to see Blau doing cover songs… I was really intrigued by him covering Why?. Blau’s contrasts Why?’s piano pop with mostly minimalist electronics, almost atmospheric, rendition of the track (not unexpected):
[mp3] Karl Blau- “This Blackest Purse (Why? cover)”
I agree with p4k’s observation that what makes the cover unique is the difference in the delivery of the lyrics. Why? is known for his out there lyrics, but Blau’s minimalistic rendition of the track really brings them down to a more human level, and rather than bizarre they come off slightly awkward with Blau’s soft spoken abnormal cadence. Musically when hearing the tracks separately they seem very different, but if you play each section by section the notes of electronics almost match perfectly with Why?’s piano. Blau’s Overall I’m pretty impressed with both versions, and in the end Karl Blau probably just made me listen to Eskimo Snow.
While I’m talking about Blau and Why? I thought I would add some bonuses on to the post too (afterall it is Friday!).
Lots of people have been finding my blog searching for Karl Blau’s Baby Nettles, and I haven’t had a chance to post any of it here, and thought this is as good a time as any. I present to you “Song For Kevin” a fuzzy distorted electronic slow grooving dance number that bridges into a heavy psych jam…something only Blau can do.
[mp3] Karl Blau- “Song for Kevin”
When ever I hear Why? I always think of one particular song, and that comes from Sole’s album titled Bottle Of Humans that came out on Anticon in 2000. This happens to be one of my favorite hip hop albums of all time, and Why? collaborates with Sole on the track “Center City.” For me this has always been a quintessential subway song. When I first moved to the city I have fond memories of listening to this on the subway, and even memories of thinking about listening to this song on the subway far before I moved here.
[mp3] Sole ft. Why?- “Center City” (buy Bottle Of Humans here).
If you have a chance download it and listen to it on the subway this weekend…I would love to hear your feedback.
Links:
- more on Karl Blau here.
- buy albums by Karl Blau here.
- buy albums by Why? here.
- buy albums by Sole here.
