Tuesday 13 October 2015

The Staves - I'm On Fire


Listening to Bruce Springsteen has always been a bit awkward in Breaking More Waves HQ, what with much of the space we existed in during our teenage years being infiltrated by his booming voice, and not through our choice. However, we will admit that his album The Ghost Of Tom Joad is a deeply absorbing listen and his song I’m On Fire, from the Born In The USA album, is a track that, through its simplicity, works on many levels. It’s probably that simplicity that makes it so often covered. Does anyone remember Electrelane’s propulsive krautrock /new wave version? It was so nearly great if the vocals hadn’t let it down so badly.

Now we have a new take on the tune, from Breaking More Waves favourites The Staves.  Emily, Jessica and Camilla have added some new songs to their second LP If I Was; two original songs called Hopeless and Train Tracks, live versions of No Me, No You, No More and Damn It All from Wiltons Music Hall, London, plus their take on The Boss’s classic which we're streaming below. If there was any justice in the world (there probably won’t be) If I Was will feature on the forthcoming Mercury Music Prize shortlist and plenty of end of year lists. In terms of where this version of the song features on the 'Best Cover Version Of I’m On Fire' list, it certainly gets a place as one of the prettiest – and vocally outweighs Electrelane’s version 1000%. 

If you haven't heard If I Was yet put it at the top of your things to do list.

The Staves - I'm On Fire

4 comments:

Unknown said...

This was recorded on Dermot O Leary's Saturday Sessions show I think-and what a cracking version it is, too.

Richard G said...

Absolutely.
I do remember Electrelane very fondly. Vocals were never really big in thiir mix of things. They were just part of a wider sound-scape as often as not and No Shouts No Calls is as good as it gets in that respect.

Anonymous said...

Whatever happened to Electrelane? Film Music and the album Rocket To The Moon were both supremely good

Richard G said...

Well 'Anonymous' here is a partial answer to your question.
http://rpgreenhalgh.blogspot.com/2014/12/new-music-2014-part-43-trash-kit.html
Elcrelane also played 'Field Day Festival, in Victoria Park, Hackney London in either 2013 or 2014. I will see if I can find out any more...