Afton Wolfe & Jaimee Harris – Dead Flowers (self-released)

Afton Wolfe & Jaimee Harris – Dead Flowers (self-released)

23 August 2024

Cover versions, standards – call them what you will – have always been a staple of the music scene. They were a way for bands to get their first taste of music, explore classic sounds and celebrate the music of their peers. However, I still believe that there are some songs that are better left unattended. Not because it would be sacrilege to try, but because I just don't see how they could be improved.

And even within The Rolling Stones back catalogue, there are a few that fall into that category, “Wild Horses” being one and “Dead Flowers” ​​the other. But thinking back now, it seems that both have been tried and re-recorded with great success – the former by British indie pop stars The Sundays, the latter by none other than Townes Van Zant, which in turn appeared in the cult film classic “The Big Lebowski”.

Long story short: playing “Dead Flowers” ​​live at LebowskiFest (I didn’t even know such a thing existed) Afton Wolfe And Jaimee Harris decided to bring the song into the studio and this is the result. And if the Jagger/Richards While the original is a groovy and rocking affair, here they've reinterpreted it as a cool and understated ballad that barely deviates from the tempo and style of the aforementioned “Wild Horses” and certainly rivals Van Zant's film finale.

The generosity and grace of this interpretation creates the perfect backdrop for the wonderful interplay of the two voices, for such attractive contrasts and for the back and forth of shimmering, plucked guitar and deft, delicate piano. Daniela Bee And Daniel Seymour's subtle stings and a whole lot of emotions. Granted, these emotions are mostly tied to sadness and pathos, but as a wiser man than I once said, sad songs say so much!

So true!

Streaming options, links and more information here