(image via rcrdlbl)

Islands in the Stream is a classic, whichever way you cut it.

Originally by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Canadian band Constantines and Broken Social Scene alumni Leslie Feist have given the original a makeover, releasing the cover on a limited edition 7” vinyl in early 2008.

This version’s broody, and not to state the obvious, but it also doesn’t have the country twang in the vocals. Also, the original sounds cheerful and optimistic. After all these two people want to run away in a love frenzy. But this one has a different tone to it. It’s sulky and has a slow-burning intense love thing going on.

It also doesn’t have the tacky musical keyboard preset beat in the background like in the 1983 duet. This one’s got a very simple but prominent drum beat which is at the forefront of all the action, dominating the keyboards and the guitar which fill up the space in the background. I really like this unique little instrumental role reversal and it works very well to make the song sound more personal, like you’re in a small room with two people in front of you who want to run away in a love frenzy.

“Islands in the Stream” - Constantines and Feist (Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers cover)

Constantines: www.arts-crafts.ca/constantines
Feist: www.listentofeist.com