Have you ever wondered what a singer/songwriter/musician does after their creative juices stop flowing? I’m sure the answers to that question would be as varied as the people you’d pose them to, but one thing I’ve noticed throughout my career in the radio/music business is if an artist or band can’t recapture that studio session “magic” of their previous successes from years gone by, there’s two things that seem to be a common fallback.
First, hook up with different people to write (and share ideas) with in order to try and kickstart your own creativity again. Bands and musicians are always playing in “side projects” as an outlet for other ideas that might not fly in their regular unit; quite often those groups are just for fun too. One example of a band like that would be Chickenfoot, featuring Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony (both former Van Halen members), Chad Smith (of Red Hot Chili Peppers), and guitar legend Joe Satriani. These guys record music and tour but it’s not their main gig, it’s a way to keep fresh.
Second, do an album of covers. Seriously, some so-called music fans claim an artist’s career is done when this is the path they take, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes an artist just needs a little refresher, something to relieve the pressure of doing better than they’ve always done, and to do a collection of covers can be just what the doctor ordered.
That’s exactly what classic rocker Ann Wilson of Heart is doing with a new solo album that is full of some really good tunes, and it’s due to tickle your ears on Sept. 14
“Immortal” is going to give us Wilson’s interpretations of Chris Cornell and Audioslave’s “I Am The Highway” along with several other songs in a very eclectic package, here’s the full track listing: 1. “A Different Corner” (George Michael), 2. “A Thousand Kisses Deep” (Leonard Cohen), 3. “Back To Black” (Amy Winehouse), 4. “Baker Street” (Gerry Rafferty), 5. “I Am The Highway” (Audioslave), 6. “I’m Afraid Of Americans” (David Bowie), 7. “Life In The Fast Lane” (Eagles), 8. “Luna” (Tom Petty), 9. “Politician” (Cream), and 10. “You Don’t Own Me” (Lesley Gore).
In addition to the new album, Wilson (a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee) is on tour across North America this summer with Paul Rodgers and Jeff Beck on the “Stars Align” tour. She’s also record a TV special back in April to coincide with the album release in September.
While I’m going on about cover songs, one of the biggest “new” songs out there right now is the ’90s Cranberries classic “Zombie,” which is done by Bad Wolves. Here are a few of my personal favourites, “Toys In The Attic” (Aerosmith) done by R.E.M., “Next To You” (The Police) covered by The Offspring, “Sin City” (AC/DC) redone by Everclear, “Renegades Of Funk” (Africa Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force) crushed by Rage Against The Machine, and “Breadfan” (Budgie) by Metallica.
There are millions of great cover tracks out there, so check a few more out, and stay covered and cool in this summer heat.
Cheers, and keep rockin’
Park Warden is the Jack of all trades/utility player at 105.3 Rock. You’ll hear him weekends 10 a.m. -4 p.m., Wednesday-Friday evenings and filling in all over.
