Courtney Barnett recently released a cover of John Cale’s “Close Watch.” The B-Side track was recorded for Barnett’s Record Store Day release, “Kim’s Caravan’ on 7.”
According to NME, Cale’s version of “Close Watch” was originally recorded in 1975 and appeared on both Helen Of Troy and Music For A New Society.
Barnett recently released a new video for her song “Kim’s Caravan.” Earlier this year she released her debut album, Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit. In an interview with NME, Barnett mentioned her thought process behind the album. “The album is a general overview of essentially a year of emotions – 12 months of fucking every day day, up, down, up, down,” she began. “I dunno what a normal person has, but everyday I had a midlife crisis,” said Barnett.
Barnett’s version of “Close Watch” comes across very raw. The cords of harmony throughout the song are interrupted by notes, that sound out of place, but somehow fit into the theme. Barnett’s monotone voice floats over the beat as she sings, “I’ll keep a close watch on this heart of mine.” The song almost has a haunting vibe that juxtaposes the passion behind the lyrics.
Additionally, Barnett is scheduled to perform in various upcoming concerts this year including the Newport Folk Festival. Her most recent performance was for SXSW. Mxdwn named Barnett “great emerging talent” following her SXSW performance.
Closing her interview with NME, Barnett explained what she hopes fans will take away from her music.“[T]hey talk about freedom and summer and being yourself; it’s like fuck tha-at!” she said. “Only idiots connect with that kinda stuff. People wanna hear about real – well, people that I want to listen to my music, they should wanna listen to real stuff,” said Barnett.
John Cale’s original version of “Close Watch” as well as Courtney Barnett’s cover of the song are available below. Any further updates or information about Barnett can be found on her official website.
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