I’ve written a few words on these pages already about First Aid Kit, the indie folk duo of Swedish sisters, Johanna and Klara Söderberg. I got into them shortly after the release of their second album, 2012’s “The lion’s roar”*, loving their stripped back sound and vocal harmonies, reminiscent of the folk music my parents had me listening to in childhood. I followed the duo very closely for next few years and one of the many things I noted about them was how active they were in posting cover songs they performed on YouTube. They really seemed to love putting their own spin on tracks that inspired them. In fact, it was their take on Fleet Foxes’ “Tiger mountain peasant song” that first got them international notice in the first place back in 2008. Over years they’ve posted covers of well known songs by Kate Bush, Kenny Rogers, The Kinks, Bob Dylan, and Black Sabbath**, and they even recorded a whole album of covers in tribute to their hero Leonard Cohen.
It completely makes sense then that First Aid Kit would eventually get around to a song by Simon and Garfunkel, another notable folk duo known for their harmonies. Given their penchant for reworking famous tracks, though, it’s interesting that they chose “America”, a song that was originally released as a b-side to single, “For Emily, whenever I may find her”. It was, of course, re-released as the A-side a few months later, perhaps the theme of young lovers hitchhiking across America resonated with their fans. The original was later introduced to whole new generation of fans when Cameron Crowe famously used it in his film “Almost famous”. Word has it that the Söderberg sisters first performed “America” at a ceremony honouring Paul Simon in 2012 and at the end, he gave them a standing ovation. So it shouldn’t have caused any surprise when they recorded a version and released it shortly after their third album, the magnificent “Stay gold”.
The original recording by Simon and Garfunkel starts with harmonized humming over acoustic strumming and the odd flourish and rim shot. Paul Simon is on lead and Art Garfunkel joins in halfway through, creating the harmonies that they are so known for doing. The song builds slowly so that by the end it almost feels symphonic, complete with crashing cymbals and a harpsichord outro. First Aid Kit’s cover is similar in structure but the harmonies are there, right from the beginning, and the sisters trade lines throughout. And this version feels a lot more melancholic in mood, even when it builds towards a climax just like the original. It’s like Johanna and Klara are looking back sadly rather than fondly, as Paul and Art were doing, more regret for what was missed than joy for what was experienced.
I love both versions and sentiments, appreciating both sides of the same story. However, I feel like edge belongs to Simon and Garfunkel on this one.
Cover:
Original:
*”Emmylou” from that album appeared at number three on my Best tunes of 2012 list.
**Their cover of “War pigs” is dynamite and probably belongs on this list of great covers as well.
For the rest of the 100 best covers list, click here.
My (life in) music lists 