Covering the originals

In the past few weeks, three rock stalwarts have released albums after a considerable gap of time. Santana after five years (2005’s All That I Am), Eric Clapton after four (2006’s Road To Escondido) and the Phil Collins (eight years after 2002’s Testify).

In the past few weeks, three rock stalwarts have released albums after a considerable gap of time. Santana after five years (2005’s

HT Image

All That I Am

), Eric Clapton after four (2006’s

Road To Escondido

) and the Phil Collins (eight years after 2002’s

Testify

).

As we know, all three artists are known for their tremendous originality and prolific songwriting. Yet all three artistes have chosen to release albums of non-original material. Santana did a cover of various classic rock songs, Clapton’s is a selection of blues standards and various obscure or little known jazz tunes and Phil Collin’s is a huge collection of Motown classics recreated note for note!

Are we to assume that artistes of this stature have moved on from creating original material or have they not had enough creative impulse and drive to do so? Maybe this is just an indulgence where an artiste feels the need to pay obeisance to their inspirations and influences. A kind of bow-your-head to the Gods of Rock ‘n Soul. But we accept it, because we hold these artistes in high respect and we know that in turn they do too. So all you bands out there who cover other artistes, listen to these albums and learn how its done…If I may say so.