Ari Joshua & an All-Star Lineup – “Eyes of the World”

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A cover of the Grateful Dead classic, “Eyes of the World” comes via Seattle-based artist Ari Joshua and an impressive cast of musicians. Joining alongside: bassist Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, The Black Crowes), keyboardist Eden Ladin, and drummer John Kimock (on tour with PHISH bassist Mike Gordon). This enjoyable cover version — which releases in timely form, as Dead and Company continue on their farewell tour — was recorded at Bunker Studio in Brooklyn.

The original track, penned by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, exudes a lush sophistication with twangy guitars and soothing backing vocals. This new cover also captures that breezy mellowness and lazy-afternoon vibes. The “wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world,” sequence compels in particular with its organ-laden backing and serene guitar work. A lounge-set, jazzy persona takes hold around the track’s mid-point, exuding a sophisticated elegance. “Eyes of the World” is one of the finest tracks from the Dead, and this new cover captures its excellence with a fresh coat of paint.

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of July 2023’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

Mike Mineo

I'm the founder/editor of Obscure Sound, which was formed in 2006. Previously, I wrote for PopMatters and Stylus Magazine.

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