Devendra BanhartĀ put his own spin on theĀ Grateful DeadĀ classic “Franklin’s Tower” in a single released onĀ Amazon Music last week. The cover comes as the Dead celebrates the 45th anniversary ofĀ Blues For Allah.
The cover arrived just a little over a month since the release of the Venezuelan-American singer-songwriter’s latest EP, Vast Void. Banhart’s rendition of “Franklin’s Tower” features his touring band, with Nicole Lawrence (guitar), Jeremy Harris on (synths), and Gregory Rogove (drums, percussion).
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While Banhart may not be a familiar name to many in the sphere of improvisational music most closely associated with the Dead, it is clear he shows reverence for theĀ Jerry Garcia/Robert HunterĀ tune. Although the runtime is a thorough nine-minutes flat, don’t expect any improvisation or long instrumental passages. Instead, Banhart slows the entire song down to at least half the speed of theĀ Blues For AllahĀ studio cut. The dreamy, synth-driven track ends up with the effect of a Grateful Dead lullaby album, in the best possible way.
Listen to Devendra Banhart’s take on “Franklin’s Tower” via the player below or on Amazon Music. Scroll down to read his poetic statement that came with the cover.
Devandra Banhart ā “Franklin’s Tower” (Grateful Dead)
[H/TĀ Pitchfork]
