It is an unavoidable fact that each established songwriter honed his or her craft by studying and rearranging the work of others. Most local pubs are home to such a cover artist or band, it is only a small number of musicians who reach international success. Apart from the obvious fact of some songwriters surpassing others in skill, originality and execution, it may be argued that such skill may be identified in its early stages by the way in which an artist approaches a cover. It remains one of my favourite things when successful artists cover and sample one another's songs, offering a fresh take on an existing favourite. I recently reviewed Cat Power's Covers Record, and discussed the way in which a re-imagined song requires just as much creativity as writing a new one altogether. Ingrid Michaelson's take on Can't Help Falling in Love is another great example of this principle in action.The cover is a live recording of Elvis Presley's iconic song, consisting solely of piano and vocals and abandoning the original piece's firm structure for a languid, romantic shape. Supported by the roomy sounds of the grand piano, Michaelson's honeyish vocal takes centre stage. It is decadent in all of the best ways - slow burning, gentle and unafraid to explore the emotional and musical range of the singer's voice. It is restrained at the start, and grows into a free flowing piece that sounds almost improvised in its generous vocal melody and growing grand piano accompaniment.As is true of Cat Power's Covers Record, the singer captures something of the heart of the song, and re-packages it in a way that is authentic and sincere to her style and her experience. What follows is the common thought that seems to inform most of my musical favourites, the idea of a song that is a bold extension of the artist's own thinking, experience, or simply of the artist herself. Michaelson's cover feels like that. It is no surprise that this version of Can't Help Falling in Love made it into the trailer for the film Like Crazy. The two have a subtly sad undertone, hinting at love's imperfections, but somehow retaining its subtle rosy tint, and offering us something all the more beautiful for its realism. I have a great appreciation for an excellent cover, and this one has secured its spot in my Top Ten. I have no doubt, the King would be proud.
