Cape Breton’s folksy foursome Villages have released another tune of nautical theme, this time in the form of a Lou Reed cover. The group’s rendition of “Cremation (Ashes to Ashes)” is accompanied by vintage footage of the sea and gives a refreshing Cape Breton twist to the 1992 folk tune.
The track’s video is made up of footage of fishing boats off the coast of Cape Breton. Shot in the 1950s and put together by director Mel Stone, the clips show their vintage with an exquisitely grainy quality.
The footage was shot by Stone’s uncle, who is believed to have joined the fishing crew as a hobbyist filmmaker, to capture their work. The images portray the fishing life in a raw and genuine light; watching them feels like looking back on fond fishing memories you never experienced.
“A few years ago my cousin uncovered reels of 8mm shot by her father, AC Frost, of Cape Breton in the late 1950s,” says Stone.
“When I heard ‘Cremation (Ashes to Ashes)‘ for the first time, my mind went straight to the brooding seas captured on these reels. I believe AC would have been moved by the music Villages are making, timelessly drawn from the island like cool water being drawn up from the deepest well.”
The band make the track their own. The upbeat instrumentals and heavier use of mandolin breathe new life into the track and make it sound as if it were written specifically about the coast of Cape Breton Island. It fits in perfectly with the rest of their tracks and their style.
“… [We] were struck by Lou’s ability to playfully capture the weight of mortality,” says band member Matt Ellis. “Coupled with the tune’s English folk leanings, we instantly added the song to our live set. Over time, the song changed shape and it really began to feel at home in our live show.
“Hearing a great song will often inspire us to write something new, however, this was the first time we felt the need to re-imagine and record another artists material.”
For a band that doesn’t dabble often in the art of cover songs, Villages has managed this one with a seamless and natural execution.
Tour Dates:
02.18.20 – Edmonton, AB @ Station On Jasper
02.20.20 – Calgary, AB @ multiple venues
02.23.20 – Winnipeg, MB @ Festival du Voyageur Inc.
02.24.20 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre
03.04.20 – Pictou, NS @ deCoste Performing Arts Centre
03.05.20 – Moncton, NB @ Casino New Brunswick
03.06.20 – Halifax, NS @ The Marquee Ballroom
03.07.20 – Halifax, NS @ The Marquee Ballroom