Confessions of a Fanboy

James Tayloris set to release an album of covers — cleverly named Covers — through Starbucks’ Hear Music label on September 30.

I’m kind of curious about this set.  I’ve never been a James Taylor guy in the past.  Don’t misunderstand me:  I think the man is incredibly talented.  He has a smooth voice, an inimitable guitar style, and a real talent as a writer.  All of those are things I admire greatly, yet I’ve just never been a big fan.  When I hear a song on the radio - well, back when I listened to the radio - I would generally listen to it through to the end.  Still, I have a lot of respect for Taylor and even if Covers won’t be an exhibition of his writing prowess, this is one that goes on the “Maybe” list for this fall.

You have to hand it to Starbucks/Hear Music.  The coffee-schlepping wing of the company may be a corporate bastard but their music folks have been doing something brilliant.  Year after year after year, the top grossing tours are nearly always veteran (read: old) acts like Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, etc.  What do these artists have in common?  They’ve all teamed with Starbucks in one way or another to release or promote music.

I’m hoping this marriage of music and coffee is a success because my generation of artists are fast becoming part of the ignored and just like McCartney and James Taylor, I believe many of them still have art to offer and they’re going to need someone to recognize there is still a place for them.

I spend more money on music than any 15-year old bastard in this country, but there’s no one out there “competing” for my dollar or trying to curry favor with me.  I’m not dead yet and neither are these artists, and that’s what Hear Music has figured out.

There are people like me who love music and are willing to pay actual money for it if only someone will give us something to buy and a civilized way to do it.  The corporate titan bastards are getting a taste of their own medicine from one of their own.

Here is the track list for Covers:

1. “It’s Growing”
2. “(I’m A) Road Runner”
3. “Wichita Lineman”
4. “Why Baby Why”
5. “Some Days You Gotta Dance”
6. “Seminole Wind”
7. “Suzanne”
8. “Hound Dog”
9. “Sadie”
10. “On Broadway”
11. “Summertime Blues”
12. “Not Fade Away”

Filed under: Tags: A Day Late and a Dollar Short, No Cover Charge