Thursday, March 15, 2018

Duff Review: Super Hi-Fi "I'm Only Sleeping" b/w "Hole In My Life"

Electric Cowbell Records
Vinyl single with picture sleeve
2018

(Review by Steve Shafer)

On this incredible single, Super Hi-Fi cover "I'm Only Sleeping," which, of course, is a John Lennon-penned tune from what is probably one of the greatest rock albums of all time--The Beatles' Revolver. In this version, dual trombones take on the vocal lines, often harmonizing--and this instrument is a perfect choice to express the lethargy (and rejection of the world outside) of Lennon's song. Super Hi-Fi's "I'm Only Sleeping" weaves back and forth from a 60s AM pop instrumental with the classic horn arrangements of that time (see The Beatles' "Got to Get You Into My Life"--an ode to pot, not a woman) to a stripped-down, dubby reggae skank with the t-bones floating drowsily on top. (The bits of backwards guitar in the middle of the track are a particularly sweet touch and tribute/link to the original.) The flip side is a wildly good free-form jazz/rock/reggae interpretation of The Police's "Hole In My Life" that appears on their Blue and White album (which we reviewed)--and has a Beatles connection tucked in there, too.

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