Maybe it’s just me, but I think we all have a favorite cover of one of our favorite songs. In fact, there are a few covers I actually prefer over the originals—though I won’t mention any titles. To me, a cover is like your favorite variety pack of adult beverages—same base, different flavor. I could grab any of them at random because I love them all. And I can confidently say I loved all ten of these tracks.
The experience of listening to the album Always Here, Always Now was interesting because neither version is a cover, yet I kept thinking, “One of these has to be, right?” It raised the question: Who did it first? From what I gathered, both groups approached the material blindly, without any influence from the other. This only raised even more questions.
At first, I listened to the 10 songs in tandem—one group's version followed by the other's. Before I was more familiar with the songs, I struggled to differentiate between the two groups, feeling like I had accidentally hit the repeat button. Then I listened to one group’s tracks followed by the other's, and finally in random order. As I listened, I started to hear the subtle differences unique to each group. So I then listened in tandem to strictly the intros side by side. The intros of each corresponding song sound completely and totally different, both utilizing and highlighting completely different instruments to accomplish the same goal. My listening journey was a beautiful evolution of discovery. Just an absolute roller coaster. It went from “Oh cool, they did the same songs” to “Wow, these songs are totally different.” And if both really did approach the material blindly and recorded without influence from one another, that’s incredibly impressive to me. It shows they were truly playing from the heart, and it’s clear both groups took the material to heart. And in doing that, they unintentionally created this beautiful illusion that you’re listening to the same song when really, only the lyrics are the same. My guitar instructor taught me that a cover is a song done by someone else in the same way because people love familiarity. But a tribute is the same song interpreted in a different way. So you could say that these five songs are maybe not a cover of each other but instead are the groups' tribute to each other.
And in the spirit of contradictions, like your favorite adult beverage, every song feels good. Each one gives you those warm fuzzies and makes you a little hot behind the ears. But like traditional, old-school bluegrass, the sound does not always reflect the message. And the first and sixth track, Never Let Me Down, does just that. Initially, it feels and sounds light and fluffy. It gives off a vibrant floating feeling, but diving deeper into the lyrics, it becomes a little more mysterious and haunting. I love dissecting lyrics. But I believe this song has a more complex code to crack. Regardless, it's still a great listen. I did this with the rest of the album, and each one has great lyrical complexity that really gets in your head and presents a subjective puzzle of words to the listener that kind of boggles the mind. Is the song about love? Family? Depression? Death? By sound alone, the messages they give all seem kind of obvious at first. Most people can sniff out a love song from a mile away, but when you get the lyrics in front of you, you then start to really question what they’re actually singing about. Kinda neat. And I love a good mystery.
Aside from the (potentially) dark and broody, Always Here Always Now checked a lot of boxes for me. I really appreciated the aesthetic of chill and calm surrounding the overall vibe of every song. It feels positive, even though the message might have some darker undertones. For the average listener, the whole album screams “good times around the fire.” And I’ve enjoyed starting my commute every morning with it. It prepares you for the long day ahead and keeps you going for the night to come. Muah, chef's kiss. Though I know some might resonate with something more upbeat, I think this album has something for everyone. It’s simple, yet complex. Light and airy, yet carries an ominous message. And they all have a place for any day, any time. And Always Here Always Now definitely has a permanent place on several of my playlists.
