If there’s one test of a musician’s mettle that will sort the posers from the genuine articles, it’s going unplugged. Everybody knows that any musician worth their weight in salt should be able to ditch the Marshall stacks every once and a while and kill it live with an acoustic guitar.
That’s exactly what Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson and Unwritten Law’s Scott Russo recently decided to do, announcing an all-acoustic national tour set to kick off later this month, following two sold-out shows in Melbourne and Sydney earlier this year.
To celebrate this highly anticipated jaunt from these two acclaimed frontmen, we tasked Phil with taking us through some of his favourite acoustic tracks. He came back with an eclectic mix that takes in everything from rock and soul, to hip-hop.
Chet Faker – Lover (You Don’t Treat Me No Good)
Can’t add to what’s already been said about Chet Faker. He’s had a huge impact in a short period of time, not only on myself, but to most of Australia. This cover is inspired and doesn’t play by anyone’s rules. It’s fun and thinks outside of the box. Like a Version can be very regimented these days, but his version of Lover is refreshing.
Lykke Li – Tonight
Whenever you break down a song to its rawest form, the vocals really stand out. Lykke Li’s vocals in this track are heartbreaking. Although the album version is great, the acoustic rendition is stunning.
Cat Power – Wonderwall
Not my favourite song in the world, but there’s something about Cat Power. I guess ‘haunting’ is a good word to describe this cover. The recording is so raw and there’s something beautiful about the whole thing. It’s adorable. Great rendition of a very popular and safe song.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Hysteric
The original version is a lot heavier. The strings on this song are a tear-jerker. There’s something about a female vocal that’s different to the male voice. Especially Karen O, she has an ability to connect us through the power of her voice alone, regardless of the accompaniment. The way she emotes in her voice is incredibly powerful.
Lupe Fiasco – Superstar
I like Lupe Fiasco because, politically, he’s fantastic. The production on the original track is low key, but this version is only accompanied by an acoustic guitar, which is really rare to find in a hip-hop song. I give Lupe props, he’s outside the box. He’s a leader and doesn’t follow others.
Robyn – Hang With Me
She’s an interesting character. She’s badass. She can collaborate with everyone from Snoop Dogg, to dance acts, but it all comes back to that voice. Again, when you strip a song down, you’re just left with the voice. It’s a tender ballad and she’s great.
Phil Jamieson and Scott Russo Acoustic National Tour
Wednesday, 17th December 2014
The Gov, Adelaide SA
Tickets: Oztix | 1300 762 545 | NWA Events
Thursday, 18th December 2014
Republic Bar, Hobart TAS
Tickets: Oztix | 1300 762 545 | NWA Events
Friday, 19th December 2014
The Corner, Melbourne VIC
Tickets: Oztix | 1300 762 545 | NWA Events
Saturday, 20th December 2014
Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW
Tickets: Oztix | 1300 762 545 | NWA Events
Sunday, 21st December 2014
Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle NSW
Tickets: Oztix | 1300 762 545 | NWA Events
Monday, 22nd December 2014
Leagues Club, Entrance NSW
Tickets: Oztix | 1300 762 545 | NWA Events
Tuesday, 23rd December 2014
Waves, Wollongong NSW
Tickets: Oztix | 1300 762 545 | NWA Events
