When I first saw this come through, admittedly my initial thoughts were anxious in that in my view – or so I thought – some songs you just don’t cover. They’re untouchable. There’s no use, no purpose, no way to add anything to what the original song conveyed and accomplished. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac might be one of the best examples of such a song. It’s a classic. The performances are unreal, the vibe mesmerizing. It’s one of those songs that immediately transfixes as soon as you hear the opening notes.
Covert Stations, led by singer/songwriter Craig Cirinelli, is a cover song project that have done some excellent covers in the past. Knowing full well that Craig’s range and musical know-how have always been top notch, I hit play half cringing and half uber curious, not knowing what to expect. Why would a man attempt to sing a song sung by Stevie Nicks?
As the opening sounds came through, I was immediately pulled in. With the modern production adding nuance and a fresh perspective, the sounds were somehow emulating the original vibe and feel of the song all while somehow adding to it. I was wrong. I keep listening. How will they attack this next part, Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar precision and detail, that one note, that other piece? Each time I think it will fail, Covert Stations nail it. Craig’s incredible vocal range somehow not only gets through it, but somehow does add a fresh flavor. Heavier guitars that had you told me before I heard them I’d doubt you, sound in the pocket and add texture in a way one wouldn’t expect. The song ends and I hit repeat in a somewhat confused and satisfied state.
Covert Stations manages to pull off the impossible here. They have successfully put their stamp on a classic track with nuance and reverence, not adding anything too harsh or “extra”, but just enough to capture the original magic of the song while adding a touch of their own creativity, displaying their excellent musicianship and an exceptional level of tasteful precision.
