Welcome back, readers! I’m really excited to write any of the long overdue posts dedicated to one of the many musical loves of my life, Mr. Bob Marley. He’s been there through the good times, the bad times, the fun times whether I was by myself in my room, at parties, or on vacations to the Bahamas. His music is universally known and unlike anyone else’s, so I am happy to finally share with you Under Cover – Bob Marley Edition.
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.Bob Marley – “I Shot The Sheriff” (original 1973)
I remember hating this Bob Marley song when I first heard it as a kid, but that’s just ‘cuz I didn’t know any better. “I Shot The Sheriff” is about as awesome as it is hysterical. There was all this controversy when Ice-T‘s group Body Count put out “Cop Killer”, a song with similar themes, and he reportedly was perturbed Marley’s song never hit the same nerve. Hmmm… that’s probably because his version must be the happiest-sounding reggae song about killing cops and facing potential punishment ever written. How can anyone get mad when the background singers pop in with their high-pitched “oohs” and try to appease the situation by reminding everyone that even though he swore it wasn’t self defense, still he “did not shoot the deputy?” With all that twangy guitar just try slapping handcuffs on the man… you’ll be too busy getting down and busting a groove.
.Eric Clapton cover (1974)
Sometimes I get annoyed when artists release covers too soon after an original version to provide any groundbreaking new perspective, but I’m willing to overlook my peeve for Eric Clapton. With all the same attitude and swagger of Stevie Wonder‘s “Superstition”, Clapton conjured up a soulful rendition of the bluesy rock persuasion that would most certainly do Marley [or any Marley enthusiast] proud. He incorporates slick piano and organ licks, sassy background vocals, and the same killer guitar riffs that make the original so memorable. His version makes Marley’s reggae-tinged track more palatable for non-reggae lovers or newcomers to the genre who need to slowly work their way into the world of reggae. I can’t seriously believe in Clapton as much when he sings that he “shot the sheriff,” but I can’t deny that he is and always will be one serious instrumentalist.
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.Bob Marley – “Waiting In Vain” (original 1977)
“I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.” Oh Bob! Have you ever felt that a song was so good it actually makes you want to cry? Well, enter “Waiting In Vain”. I may sometimes tell people “Redemption Song” is my favorite Bob Marley song, but for the most part that’s a lie– it’s actually “Waiting In Vain”. It’s sweet, beautiful, melancholy, all that great ambivalent stuff and the lyrics are as simple as the message of love is true blue. I can relate to this song on many levels. Being one of those “born ready” types, I feel like much of my life has been waiting on something, on someone. So, I enjoy laying around in my imaginary hammock to this song on full blast since the dulcet tones coo in my ear and utterly soothe my soul unlike anything else. And if the way he genuinely sings “In life I know, there’s lots of grief / but your love is my my relief / tears in my eyes burn, while I’m waiting for my turn” doesn’t tug at your heartstrings just a little bit, you may need to see a heart specialist… to make sure you do indeed have one.
.Annie Lennox cover (1995)
As if the last week‘s Annie Lennox lovefest wasn’t enough for you, I’m back with her gorgeous rendition of “Waiting In Vain” that some readers may recognize was featured in one of my favorite movies of all time Serendipity during that very memorable proposal scene (sigh!) with Kate Beckinsale. Her voice is full of such yearning, desire, and love that it’s hard to believe she’s singing somebody else’s words because she makes the song sound entirely her own. Lennox’s version ups the dramatic factor from the original as she sings with much more intensity, adds her signature moody synth, and there’s much more pick up that culminates with a blaring melange of vocals and horns. It’s just a super lovely interpretation that I just wish I’d known about sooner. Talk about waiting in vain!
