Lucy Dacus comes out with two Carole King covers today, both from King’s 1971 classic album Tapestry. Dacus’ versions of “Home Again” and “It’s Too Late” were originally part of Third Man Records’ exclusively physical 7” Carole King Home Again vault package, but now they’re available for everyone to stream. Along with the new digital release, Dacus also shares her End of the Road video of “Home Again” performed live for The Line of Best Fit’s secret sessions.
As a confessional songwriter herself, Dacus acknowledges the influence of growing up listening to her mom’s Carole King records. “When I was asked to cover a couple of her songs, it was a no brainer. Her work feels like a part of my DNA and I’m grateful for it.”
“When I listened to Tapestry from my mom’s CD collection, I was young enough that it didn’t register as good or bad – it just defined what music sounded like to me, and it’s still a foundation of how I understand songwriting. She’s clever in a good way – queen of internal rhyme – and I love how her melodies reinforce the tone of the lyrics. She keeps it simple, but that’s what makes it universal.”
Listening to Dacus’ and King’s version side by side, you can hear the resounding warmth in both of their voices. Dacus changes the arrangement of both songs significantly, however, stripping them down to acoustic guitar tunes, and smoothing out any theatricality. “It’s Too Late,” in particular, has the deep room sound and creeping darkness that defined her sophomore record Historian (2018).
Lucy Dacus plays Franklin Music Hall tomorrow with openers and fellow West Philly residents Crooks & Nannies. There are still tickets available at the WXPN Concerts and Events page.