When Doves Cry / Beautifully Broken
It’s been a while since I’ve discovered a gem in my own music library – one that I don’t recall ever hearing. I’ve listened to Gov’t Mule’s 2003 live album (Deepest End: Live in Concert) before, but I don’t remember hearing what I heard tonight: a slow and bluesy “When Doves Cry” sung by Warren Haynes. Prince’s classic tune bookends the tune “Beautifully Broken”. Only the chorus is sung, but the way it weaves its way into the full song makes it one of the best interpretations of a Prince tune I’ve heard.
I’m sure there are a few groups in the jam band scene that have tackled Prince’s music. The only cover that comes to mind is Phish’s take on “Purple Rain”, which always seemed like more of an attempt to be humorous than a respectful and heartfelt interpretation of the work (must be the vacuum cleaner solo).
With an artist like Warren Haynes though, you can bet that he’ll put his heart and soul into any song he performs – and it’s evident here with “When Doves Cry” and “Beautifully Broken”. There’s a passion in the vocals and every pluck of his guitar string. And with a heavy duty powerhouse like Gov’t Mule backing it all up – well – I’m damn sure I’ll have this on regular rotation for some time to come.
6 Comments
Michael
My Morning Jacket do a killer version of “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” as well. Umphrey’s McGee has done “Kiss” as well as a few others.
Pete
Oh good call. I have MMJ doing that.
Matt
On the Mule tip, if you’ve got a Dimeadozen account, the FM broadcast of this year’s Christmas Pre-Jam is online, and it’s pretty kick ass.
Warren Haynes opens the show with a version of Madman Across The Water, and that’s just the beginning!
Pete
That show sounds great – gonna track it down on Dime for sure.
Kelli
Goosebumps…
don
agreed. definitely a slow and bluesy heartfelt interpretation.