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One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “F**k You” by Cee-Lo Green (from Gnarls Barkley).  I’m at work; so I haven’t had a chance to listen yet… but I’m looking forward to it! Part of me thinks Derek is solely doing this for the “Christian singer-songwriter singing ‘Fuck You’” aspect of it, but whatever… that aspect has no bearing on my views.  I like Cee-Lo’s unconventional pop song, and I like Derek Webb.  The combo should prove interesting – even if he recently tweeted that he muted the F-word, since he couldn’t sing an asterisk.

If Derek covers the song live on his current tour with Jars of Clay… well, that would be excellent…  but unlikely.

Update: listening to it now… personal preference would be for it to not be self-censored.  Vocals also sound kinda muddy, weirdly buried in the mix.  Keyboards don’t seem synched up with the guitars & drums. I applaud his moxy, just perhaps not the execution.  Still enjoyable, though – all things considered.

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 2 is a continuation of the covers project Derek started last year.  The fans get to nominate songs and then vote once the nominations are tallied.  Here’s what he did back in 2010 (you can still go back and buy this volume):

• January 2010: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• February: Coldplay – Fix You
• March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
• April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
• May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago *a personal fave*
• June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
• July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
• August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby *a personal fave*
• September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence
• October: Radiohead – Karma Police *a personal fave*
• November: Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
• December: Robert Robinson – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Fans of Derek may also want to check out his contribution (amongst other great covers) of Sufjan Stevens’ Seven Swans.  The tribute album put out by On Joyful Wings is called Seven Swans Reimagined.  Derek does In Devil’s Territory.  Other musicians include some Asthmatic Kitty favorites, and some newbies to the fold – including the Gregory Brothers (autotune the news) and Inlets.

~Dan – np: On Joyful Wings (various artists) – Sufjan Stevens’ Seven Swans Reimagined

Democracy Vol. 2 is a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 10. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 10 months (March to December). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!