Shelby Lynne Issue #35

Just a Little Lovin’ (Lost Highway)

By Salima Appiah-Kubi
Published: March 1st, 2008 | 12:29pm

The Beatles got one of their earliest hits with the Isley Brothers’ “Twist and Shout”; Ike and Tina Turner’s best-known single is their take on Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary”; and few people remember that Otis Redding wrote “Respect” once Aretha Franklin put her stamp on it. All this is to say that cover songs have a long history in popular music.

While the early cover song seemed to be about musical gamesmanship or — let’s be honest — bankable hits, the modern cover appears to be most interested in making a point. Pop-punk bands scramble for artistic credibility by covering indie touchstone groups like Joy Division while today’s indie bands cover pop tunes with derision or false reverence to reveal a sense of humor. The results are decidedly mixed with the music barely audible under the band’s self-satisfaction. Thankfully, country artist Shelby Lynne chose the earlier model for her new recording of Dusty Springfield songs. For her trouble, Just a Little Lovin’ proves a deft display of musical ingenuity that remains a tribute to the original artist.

Just a Little Lovin’ is more an exercise in invention than idolatry; both blonde chanteuses possess strikingly strong voices, but where Dusty Springfield belted to reach the world, Shelby Lynne uses her warm alto to draw listeners in. Consequently, those expecting a Spector-style Wall of Sound will be disappointed by the spare orchestration. Lynne’s more intimate take puts a spotlight on the pain in the songs that Springfield’s bright voice almost lets you ignore. “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” and the stellar “I Don’t Want to Hear it Anymore” are rich heartbreakers that allow the listener to do little else. The album’s only misstep is “Willie & Lauramae Jones” — ironically the most country-sounding track on the album. Still, with this effort, Shelby Lynne manages the most difficult feats of a cover artist — to be a credit to herself and the original.