A THOROUGH EXPLORATION OF GENRES | BLOSSOMS SHARE ‘GARY’S COVERS’ ALBUM
ALBUM REVIEW | GARY’S COVERS – BLOSSOMS By Keira Knox
Blossoms have released a special ‘Covers Edition’ of their fifth studio album ‘Gary’, which was released this September. Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t Blossoms’ initial attempt with a cover album. They released a collection of covers entitled ‘Blossoms In Isolation’ in 2020, which was performed during lockdown. Dedicated fans will be well aware of The Smiths supergroup covers band, which Blossoms formed with Rick Astley, making an unexpected debut at Glastonbury 2023.
A cover of Whitney Houston’s renowned track ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ introduces the album. While retaining some of its unique characteristics, they have still produced something substantially distinct from the original. It’s a thorough exploration of genres; an indie band covering a classic pop track whilst intertwining soundscapes of country and western. Miles Kellock’s piano chords alongside Tom Ogden’s soft, delicate voice combine to create a lovely melodic pairing on this song.
Playing ‘You To Me Are Everything’ by The Real Thing is an enormous undertaking, and although Blossoms has done a fantastic job with this cover, there is still a sense of something lacking. You get the impression that you’re waiting for it to pick up since it’s maintains one tone throughout. Aside from that, this song has amazing instrumentals that consistently express the distinctive Blossoms sound.
‘Thinking About You’ is simply phenomenal. Blossoms have created something so distinctive from the original, the organ chords on this Radiohead cover are extremely John Lennon-esque. It may as well be The Beatles covering this track, it’s stunning. They’ve paid homage to a classic Radiohead track in the most beautiful way.
A cover of Mario’s ‘Let Me Love You’ was the last thing I expected to see on this album, but they have executed the R&B track perfectly. The instantly recognisable R&B tones have been expertly incorporated into Blossoms’ indie sound. The album’s standout song, ‘Cracklin’ Rosie,’ perfectly showcases their range of musical abilities. Tom Ogden’s vocals have never sounded better, and I sincerely hope that this will be included in the upcoming set list.
Blossoms’ flawless rendition of ‘So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings’ by Caroline Polachek has swiftly gained popularity among fans. It sounds to me like the ‘Ribbon Around The Bomb’ album’s more sophisticated and polished sound. The xylophone steel drum sound produced by Kellock is what truly elevates this song.
To close out the album, Blossoms take on Beyonce and Lady Gaga’s ‘Telephone’, as well as Bob Marley’s ‘Waiting In Vain’. Although the record as a whole is a chaotic selection on paper, it makes perfect sense when listened to. The Stockport boys have created the most intricate and captivating selection of music. These days, the music industry rarely allows experimentation; they have braved it and it has paid off.
Author
