While she was in Australia for the world tour of her album ‘Willoughby Tucker Forever’, Cain stopped off at the Triple J studios for her Like A Version debut. The Australian radio show has become an international platform for artists to perform two songs live - one of their own, and a cover - and to give a short interview on their musical approaches and thoughts. It is a brilliant way to get to know artists, and find new favourites.
Cain chose to cover Drive-By Truckers’ ‘Angels and Fuselage’, and was very particular about how she and her band approached the piece, “I was nitpicking with them, down to the little guitar licks and whatnot — the bends and the chords. Everything in this song is created so perfectly and specifically that it has to be true to the record.” All the ‘nitpicking’ pays off - the arrangement sounds so natural, it doesn’t sound like a cover at all. The song suits Cain’s voice and style perfectly; she brings a haunting, bittersweet reminiscence that is present in so many of her own songs. The harmonica is a beautiful touch, connecting with Cain’s southern and country background.
At over six minutes long, it is a lengthy piece, but every part is enjoyable with the intentional and entrancing slow tempo. Cain has produced a version that is softer than the original, introducing a uniquely feminine quality, but hasn’t drastically changed the song. By her own words, "You really don't have to mess with perfection".
You can find Cain’s Like A Version cover here, and book tickets to her tour here.
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