Canadian, home for nowMar 15
Today's critical listening session begins with Easy by The Commodores. It's easy like a Sunday morning. I'm aware of Lionel Richie, but I didn't know this song was by him, or that his band was called The Commodores. #music #GenreBending 1/n
Show threadCanadian, home for nowMar 15

The first time I heard the song Easy was on the album Angel Dust by Faith No More. That's the music I grew up with. Then, I was driving in the car one day, and someone had turned on the radio to an easy listening station and I was mostly ignoring it, when suddenly: I know this song, but it doesn't sound like Faith No More. It was only today that I learned that it was The Commodores.

The version by Faith No More showcases their musical ability and diversity.

Show threadCanadian, home for nowMar 15
In 2012, Lionel Richie recorded his song Easy with Willie Nelson. It's on his album Tuskagee, where he revisits his birthplace, so I guess he's fusing the southern sounds of country and R&B. It's fascinating to hear the song by the original artist and by someone with as distinct a style as Willie Nelson.
Show threadCanadian, home for nowMar 15
The BossHoss is a German group that reinterprets popular songs in a classic country western style. Right away, you can tell this is a very different take on the song Easy from what Willie Nelson gave it.
Show threadCanadian, home for now
Lionel Richie's version of Easy is categorized as R&B (on Qobuz, and I'll take their word for it). Boyz II Men did a cover in their own R&B style. It's very smooth. I understand why they're the most commercially successful R&B group, but my wife would be shocked to know I'm listening to Boyz II Men by choice.
Mar 15 at 5:49pmWeb
Show threadCanadian, home for nowMar 15
You may never have heard of Westlife, but they were apparently a hugely popular boyband in Europe who never made it big in America. From my vantage point, I've never heard of them because I avoid boy bands. Anyway, they cover Easy on The Love Album. It's a good thing it's Sunday and I'm already feeling mellow.
Show threadCanadian, home for nowMar 15
The Clef Hangers are an a cappella group who sings Easy. They also cover a number of other songs, which helps me with ideas for future #GenreBending sessions. They're very talented, and I enjoy hearing them do the instrument parts with their voices. A worthy interpretation.
Show threadCanadian, home for nowMar 15

Denise King is a jazz singer who recorded a version of Easy. The crossover from R&B to jazz seems like a short distance for her.

Grant Green is another jazz artist who covered Easy, but his version is all instrumental. And about twice as long as the original, thanks to improvisation.

Orinico Haven recorded an acoustic guitar cover. It's well-executed, but do not operate heavy machinery while under the influence of this recording.

Show threadCanadian, home for nowMar 15

And to finish, a pop culture appearance. This is the scene in Baby Driver (2017) with the song Easy. It was recorded by Sky Ferriera. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGG-B_AZk00

And here's the Qobuz playlist: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/59970390 #GenreBending fin

Sky Ferreira - Easy ("BABY DRIVER" Movie Scene)

YouTube