In the midst of global tumult, Taali shares a timely cover of Jackson Browne's “These Days” today. Debuted on Brightest Young Things, it features beautiful celestial vocals & live intertwined synthesizers à la Imogen Heap. Taali explains the track:
“As a songwriter, "These Days" is hallowed ground. It is dangerously close to (if not included in!) that list of songs you're not allowed to cover. Right up there with Aretha's "R-E-S-P-E-C-T," Prince's "Purple Rain," The Beatles' "Let It Be," etc. Though it has been covered to death, Nico's version of the song grabbed me first. I remember hearing it at 15 years old. Her subtle, enigmatically emotional delivery spoke to my soul.
15 years later, with a litany of my own experience to finally sing to, I played this song live at Joe's Pub in NYC, and knew immediately that it had to be a release on our label. I wrote a synthesizer line and choral interlude instead of using Nico's iconic guitar part. I tried to honor Jackson Browne's spirit of repetition, resignation, and understanding in the hollow arrangement. And I think it's the closest I've come to objective musical truth. I really don't do that much talking these days. I "wonder," constantly, "If I'll see another highway." I have no idea how Jackson Browne got that sentiment so right at 16 years old, but he deserves all the medals for it. I have now lived inside and outside of the song, and couldn't not cover it. I'm grateful to have it both to listen to and to sing ... a modern day musician's prayer.”
Taali’s cover follows soaring first single "What Are You Afraid Of?" off her Were You Busy Writing Your Heart Out? EP, coming May 15 on Rainbow Blonde Records -- a label and worldwide collective the artist runs with creative partner R&B/jazz vocalist José James and engineer/producer Brian Bender. She’ll also be opening for José James on tour this summer - dates below & here.
Tour Dates
5/7: Evanston, IL @ SPACE*
6/23: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom*
6/25: Washington, DC @ The Hamilton Live*
*w/ José James