Free Range’s “Waterloo Sunset” cover is pure serenity
The song appears on FADER & Friends Vol. 1, our 44-song compilation benefitting transgender charities available exclusively on Bandcamp until December 1, 2023.
The FADER’s transgender charity covers compilation FADER & Friends Volume 1 is out now, available exclusively on Bandcamp until December 1, 2023. 100% of the proceeds go towards the Transgender Law Center, Mermaids, and Rainbow Railroad. Throughout the month of November, we’re speaking to the artists who contributed to the 44-song collection about the songs they covered.
One of the most beloved songs in history, "Waterloo Sunset" by the Kinks isn't some unapproachable monolith that's impossible to cover: for almost any band with a guitar and an interest in rock, performing the song is more akin to getting in touch with their lineage. Sofia Jensen a.k.a. Free Range approaches their acoustic-driven cover with that requisite familiarity while smoothing out the edges to emphasize the serenity at the heart of the track.
Listen to the song below and buy the full album on Bandcamp. Scroll down to read Free Range on the original song and their cover.
What's your first memory of this song?
I’m honestly not sure. I didn't start listening to the Kinks until I was in high school, or maybe eighth grade. I think the first time I listened to a Kinks record was with my friend in her car, and she was playing Something Else, and “Waterloo Sunset” came on. It became one of those songs for me that was always in the back of my mind.
Why did you decide to record it as your cover?
I was watching the first and I think only episode of Live on the Jon Brion Show, where Jon Brion and Elliott Smith (and also Brad Mehldau play Elliott Smith songs). Then they also do this insane acoustic cover of “Waterloo Sunset,” and it just absolutely floored me. I think I hadn’t really thought about that song in a while, but something about hearing it then being sung by Elliott Smith made me realize that it might be one of the greatest melodies I’ve ever heard. So I wanted to cover it!
What does this song/band mean to you personally?
The Kinks were never a huge huge band for me, but I’ve really come to admire them as I’ve gotten older. They had super wacky stuff, as well as pop songs that really stick with you. Just so jangly and cool. Cooler than the Stones, I’d say, definitely up there with the Beatles.
What's another song you'd love to cover and why?
Every time I hear a song for the first time and I love it, my reaction is to cover it. I think covering songs is so fun. I think it would be sick to cover “Sixteen Blue” by the Replacements. That’s my favorite Replacements song. Or maybe “Sharp Cutting Wings” by Lucinda Williams.