As Olivia put it herself yesterday, “When it comes to covers, not all is created equal. Music presents a unique opportunity: it’s the only art form that is at once a finished product and a totally accessible pile of raw material. Musical tradition shows that certain songs can transcend their original authors and performers, and continue to influence and inspire in the hands of different singers, instruments, tempos, and production.”
Olivia Mancini & the Mates are joining us all week in celebration of the art and nuance of the cover song in advance of two live dates—TONIGHT at Mercury Lounge in NYC and Friday night (8/12) at Black Cat, right in the backyard of TVD HQ.
TVD has YOU covered with tickets to BOTH shows in exchange for your favorite cover in the comments to this post. For tonight’s show get at us ASAP—and for Friday’s, we’ll choose our winner first thing on Friday morning. Ticket winners will ALSO receive a free copy of the band’s new 7-inch single, “For Ricky.”
Now, onward!
“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys (off Pet Sounds, 1966)
“God Only Knows” is beyond a perfect pop song. It’s like a feeling actualized it into music. Revolutionary at the time for talking about God, it’s also groundbreaking for its chords and melody and orchestration.
I learned it on the day I recorded it. I had tried to learn it a couple times before and failed but the chords are really hard. But maybe it was fitting because it was Valentine’s Day when I finally got it down because it’s such a beautiful love song. —Kristin Forbes
Kristin Forbes plays bass and sings in the Mates. She also sings and plays guitar in her own band, The Scotch Bonnets. The Bonnets will knock your socks off! Check em out.
Band photo: Keith Mellnick
