James Taylor: Covers

James Taylor: Covers James Taylor is a legend. Taylor is best known for his work in the 70s. He hit it big with songs like "Fire and Rain", "Country Roads", and "You've Got a Friend". Celebrating his 40th year as a recording artist, Taylor releases this live-in-studio album of cover songs, aptly titled Covers. Covers was recorded in a converted barn in Mass during a week in January 2008 when he was snowed in. The covers range from songs he had been performing live on and off for years to songs completely new to his repertoire. The album contains the often covered Jimmy Webb classic "Wichita Linemen", Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne", and a very different interpretation of "Hound Dog" popularized by Elvis. Perhaps the best track on the album is his rendition of the Drifters "On Broadway". James Taylor does a great laid back version of the track. The track's vibe is reminiscent of a Miles Davis' Kind of Blue session, complete with jazzy horns. The album isn't all laid back covers. The album starts off with a stirring Smokey Robinson classic "It's Growing" complete with a horn section and gospel choir. Taylor's version of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" is action packed as well. In the end, it's always nice to hear something new from a legend like Taylor. Usually the only chance I get to see him is when he pops up once a year singing "God Bless America" at Fenway when the Red Sox are in the playoffs. It's good to hear how such an accomplished singer/songwriter takes on standards and classics like this. Rating: 7.8/10 MP3: James Taylor "Suzanne (Leonard Cohen cover)" Buy: iTunes