Juliana Hatfield: Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO

Juliana Hatfield

Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO

American Laudromat

I have enjoyed this series to date, Juliana Hatfield singing the songs she loved when growing up; paying tribute to the artists that meant the most to her. She started with Olivia Newton-John, then to The Police and now she sings ELO. This one has taken my fancy, more than the others, and probably because it’s a more dangerous proposition. I’m not sure anyone should be covering ELO. Those songs (which I adore) stand proud. And besides, wasn’t Jeff Lynne basically just covering The Beatles, albeit through the lens of disco-era Bee Gees. And with songs he just happened to write?

But Hatfield has rebranded as a very committed covers artist. And I applaud the move. I do believe there are more than enough songs in this world. Which shouldn’t stop people from continuing to write and record their own music. But, make sure it’s good! Make sure it’s great. Make sure it needs to happen. And there’s no shame in deciding to re-make a song that’s tried and tested. Again, just make it good!

And she sure manages that here with an expert selection, and by essentially just sticking to the knitting. These are glorious songs - and she knows that. Her voice gives them new flight. So, you know, you don’t need this, but if you’ve ever been a fan of either ELO or Hatfield - and I am a fan of both for life - then this is everything you might hope and expect.