Take ME to the River

Today, I'd like to write (briefly) about a classic song: "Take Me to the River." Written and first recorded by Al Green in 1974, this song has been covered by a wide range of artists, from Tina Turner to the Dave Matthews Band. But one cover stands head and shoulders above the rest: the Talking Heads', from 1979.

I don't think of the Talking Heads as doing many covers, and so I wonder what led them to pick this particular song as their one, glorious cover. Whatever the reason, they really make it their own, transforming a smoothly grooving soul number with their signature rhythmic intensity (particularly in live versions) and some killer gospel-infused vocals. That said, it remains a pretty laid-back song by Talking Heads standards.

Anyways, you might as well just take a listen rather than suffer through me prattling on about what a great song/cover this is. Enjoy:

Al Green - Take Me to the River (YSI)

Talking Heads - Take Me to the River (YSI)