| Luke Sital-Singh has today released a gorgeous, stripped-down cover of Aqualung’s classic 2002 single ‘Strange & Beautiful (I’ll Put A Spell On You)’, listen here. The Los Angeles-based British musician’s released his critically acclaimed third album ‘A Golden State’ earlier this year following it with extensive UK and US headline tours. “Like a lot of people I first heard the magical tones of Aqualung on that VW advert way back when, and ever since Matt Hales has been one of my favourite modern day singer/songwriters,” says Luke. “Many years on and I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matt on my own music, guested on the last Aqualung record and even temporarily joined the band for the record release show. Given all that, I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to try my hand at recording a version of the first Aqualung song I ever heard, but here it is. Strange & Beautiful, I hope you enjoy it.” Matt Hales, AKA Aqualung, comments: “Someone once said imitation was the most sincere form of flattery. I think that applies to those subconscious, in your blood, unshakeable kind of influences – (Brian Wilson, Howard Jones, The Muppets) – that one could reasonably call inspirations. Not just copying. Copying is the least sincere form of flattery. Copying is really just copying. Copying. “Which brings us to the question of Cover Versions. I’ve done a couple that were devotedly intended to demonstrate my love and affection for the original songs and their original authors. That they ended up on Grey’s Anatomy was just a lovely surprise… “Luke Sital-Singh is a gifted singer songwriter who you should investigate. Though he has copied my life slightly by moving to LA (and copied my photo – see his spotify profile), I believe this gorgeous version of ‘Strange & Beautiful’ is sincerely meant. And I’m flattered.” Luke Sital-Singh released his debut single ‘Fail For You’ in 2012, introducing the world his deft ability to craft songs with a mesmerizing, piercing emotional quality. The song went on to be featured in numerous TV shows including ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He released his debut album ‘The Fire Inside’ in 2014, touring the world and opening for artists such as Villagers, The Staves, Martha Wainwright and Angus and Julia Stone. In 2017, Sital-Singh released his sophomore record ‘Time Is A Riddle’, whose lead single ‘Killing Me’ has had 14m plays on Spotify. Released in April, Luke’s third album ‘A Golden State’ was produced by Tommy McLaughlin (Villagers, Soak) and recorded at Portland’s legendary Jackpot Studios and contains the singles ‘The Last Day’, ‘Los Angeles’, ‘Lover’ and ‘Raise Well’. |