Sunday, May 30th, 2010
"Pretty In Pink"
The National cover The Psychedelic Furs
Johnnie CluneyThe what: The National recording a rare and unexpected cover – a shimmering interpretation of “Pretty In Pink” by British art rockers Psychedelic Furs, which inspired the John Hughes ’80s teen classic film of the same name and in turn, became one of the band’s biggest hits in North America (after being re-recorded and cleaned up, of course).
The when and where: It was recorded in 2007 for internet treasure Daytrotter whilst the band were on tour in support of Boxer.
The why now: The National released their latest opus High Violet earlier this month. Violet isn’t too far off from pink on most colour wheels worth their salt. The National are in town next week for two shows at Massey Hall – June 8 and June 9. The Psychedelic Furs are in town for an intimate show at Lee’s Palace for the first of those nights, June 8. I don’t expect any Richard Butler guest spots with The National or anything, but these are the sort of sychronicities that make me happy.
The what else: The Houston Chronicle has an interview with The National while Consequence Of Sound has found some videos of Matt Berninger and the Dessner brothers playing stripped-down versions of “Anyone’s Ghost” and “Fake Empire” outside of Los Angeles garage. Just because, I guess.
MP3: The National – “Pretty In Pink”
Video: The Psychedelic Furs – “Pretty In Pink” (original)
Video: Psychedelic Furs – “Pretty In Pink” (soundtrack version)
Tags: National, Psychedelic Furs
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5/30/10 3:31 pm
Talk about a match made in heaven (the home of our hearts)! From the opening bars I could tell this was going to be a winner, and it couldn’t have been more so — the chord changes in the chorus actually sounded more National than Furs, and the lyrics could easily be Matt Berninger’s. Perfect. (It even made me not miss the Furs’ wonderfully dirty guitars!)