(Note: this series was originally published elsewhere.)
Something in music: origin
One evening at a hot, trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had taken more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.
One of the young ladies noted that when a gal is about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those very same terms could be applied to music too: “Something old” or classic, “something new” or recently released, “something borrowed”, a cover, and “something blue”, a blues song or a song with “blue” in the title. The rest is history.
‘Something’ in Music 301
Something Old
Our “something old” in this edition is the classic cut “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” recorded by the American rock group named the Allman Brothers Band. Written by Gregg Allman, the song was the premiere single off their third album, Eat a Peach which dropped back in 1972.
Something New
Our “something new” this time is the new song “Pulling Weeds” recorded by American singer-songwriter and musician Scott Sean White. It’s the premiere single off his upcoming new disc, Even Better On The Bad Days. The tune was co-written by White, Adam Wheeler, and William Benjamin Roberts. White spoke of the song in an e-communique.
He said: “One co-writer was late that day, stuck in traffic – so the other fella and I just hung out in the parking lot talking. He was 2 weeks out of rehab, just trying to save his life and his family, and he told me the wild, wild, heartbreaking, AND beautiful story about ALL of it. When our other friend finally showed up and we got in the room to write, he threw out this title – not really even knowing what the other guy and I had been talking about while we were waiting for him.”
He concluded: “It’s not what the whole song is about – but it definitely found its way in there. When I play this song at shows – I usually just say, ‘I don’t know about y’all, but I spend a lot of time and energy on things I should not spend my time and energy on.’"
On this new track White leads the way on acoustic guitar and vocals. He is backed by producer Dave Brainard on bass, dobro, keyboards, acoustic guitar, and percussion, Fred Eltringham on drums, Justin Ostrander on electric guitar, Andy Rogers on banjo, and Ben Roberts and Jenny Tolman on harmony vocals.
Something Borrowed
Our “something borrowed” this edition is the 2008 song “You All Over Me” by singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. This dedicated cover cut is by American singer-songwriter and musician Shanna in a Dress. Ina message on social media Shanna spoke briefly of her 2021 audio adaptation.
She said: “My girl Taylor [re-released] Fearless and a bunch of unheard songs ‘from the vault’ so I thought I'd cover this one. She is brilliant- I love her images and the simplicity of ‘You All Over Me’. My dying wish if anyone asks is to write a song with her so spread the word for me.”
Something Blue
Last but not least, our “something blue” this edition is the blues song “I'm In The Mood” written and first recorded by American singer-songwriter and guitarist John Lee Hooker. He originally recorded the song in 1951. It was reportedly one of the highest-selling blues recordings of all time.
Did we mention your favorite “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? If not, let us know. Don’t forget to send us your bride photos too!
(Images courtesy of Rock n Roll Bride and/or original owners)