Isiah & The New People, the Wisconsin-based purveyors of Western Psych Folk, have taken on the daunting task of covering Prince's iconic 'When Doves Cry'. It's a bold move, to be sure, but one that pays off in spades. This isn't just a cover; it's a reimagining, a transformation of a pop classic into something raw, intimate, and deeply personal.
The original 'When Doves Cry' is a synth-heavy dance track, all about the push-and-pull of a tumultuous relationship. Isiah & The New People strip it back to its bare bones, leaving only acoustic guitar and vocals. It's a haunting arrangement, and Isiah Driessen's voice is trembling with emotion. It's clear that this song is more than just a cover for him; it's a way to process his own heartbreak.
Driessen has spoken openly about the inspiration for this cover. A car accident left him with multiple broken bones and his wife with a traumatic brain injury. The accident ultimately led to the end of his marriage, and this song is his way of grappling with that loss. When he sings "This is what it sounds like, when doves cry", it's not just a lyric; it's a gut-wrenching expression of grief.
The addition of the line "me and you" adds another layer of depth to the song. It's a reminder that even in the midst of heartbreak, there's still a part of him that longs for connection. The song ends on a note of quiet resignation, but there's also a sense of hope, a glimmer of light in the darkness.
This cover of 'When Doves Cry' is a testament to the power of music to heal and transform. It's a reminder that even the most familiar songs can take on new meaning when they're filtered through the lens of personal experience. Isiah & The New People have taken a classic and made it their own, and the result is something truly special.
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