I’ll admit I discovered this cover before encountering the original Velvet Underground track. The whole thing is barely a cover, anyway. Like most of the tracks on this album, Chan Marshall launches into song intent on building you a seven layer dip comprised of nostalgia, heartache, insomnia, loss, longing, and empathy topped off with a last minute zest of instability. The citrus of manic depression just adds something to the dish. Trust me. I warmed the tortillas myself.
After Chan’s pining and urging, The Velvet Underground’s original becomes the heart warmer on your iPod wedding playlist. Lou Reed is gently winking at your new father in law as you make slow turns around the room with your formerly betrothed.
Cat Power is for coming home to someone on public transportation. A month or two before you have the big talk and one of you decides to leave. It’s raining and the bus smells like a recycled fart but there’s some good tv on that night and he’ll be in a rare happy mood. Nothing is certain but this is the song playing in your ear buds while the frayed cord makes everything sound like vinyl.
Or perhaps this is the background track for when you’re scrawling your name in blood on his walls.
It could be his blood. It could be yours. Perhaps you’ll have quesadillas for dinner. Be sure to add that hint of lime.
Suggested listening: Alanis Morissette’s Your House.
