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When two musical talents from different eras and backgrounds decide to unite for a collaboration, the result can be a blend of shared appreciation with also a creative reinterpretation of older material; a new context with old, often overlooked messages being delivered through very different angles as a result, particularly when honoring legendary music artists with new unique takes over established musical canons, This collaborative effort is being perfectly showcased with The Bangles’ Susanna Hoffs and Elvis Costello who joined forces to offer a new rendition over the Rolling Stones' "Connection" as a tribute to Keith Richards' 81st birthday.
While the core structure from the 1967 track has always carried its infectious energy and guitar punch; the take with Hoffs and Costello elevates it into a newer territory via a subtle and delicate reinterpretation by adding layers with new harmonic complexity and slightly more jangly tempo; that seemingly subtle touch adds new life over what it is being covered not by trying to make that something completely new, or radically different, it keeps its original structure but delivers an alternate ‘feel’.
Hoffs herself acknowledges that by recognizing Richards' importance ( as one of her personal heroes, as well ) she and Costello decided to re approach what they call the ‘Keith Parts' giving Hoffs both the leading guitar as well as specific lead vocal sections that made this tribute feel not only a gesture between colleagues and long term mutual respect and also by adding something meaningful, a more personal value of connection that was more about creative drive, than purely doing an ‘ok or good enough’ type of covering job but putting forward both of their distinct musical voices for that same shared goal. This often will offer an interesting way to listen at music, by hearing how something ‘old’ gains new values when artists reinterpret it in ways unique to them.
This new re-imagined "Connection" is more than just another random tribute. This becomes an exploration about shared understanding that happens over both artists individual interpretation of what was a clear shared inspiration point and that shows throughout its final creative results.
Both Hoffs and Costello bring specific values when making these kinds of projects; with Hoffs’ having a softer, melodious pop rock approach which blends incredibly well with Costello’s more edgier rock and roll feel while his particular guitar usage provides both texture and tempo as their vocal pairings complement the original piece incredibly well without over imposing or trying too hard to give something radical, therefore this was created in great mutual understanding with what made their work stand-out all through their professional career making the entire collaboration that much more valuable because every detail was there not because of necessity but out of choice . And, its in all these subtle choices, over how to present, that this version does make their tribute so uniquely special to them. As Costello joked: ‘He’d be Keith, for her Mick any day’.
Both artists, while using different approach for delivery make great effort on emphasizing just what that “Connection” represents; their version feels not only like a birthday gift or as homage but an expression about musical partnership across the board as you easily can feel how everyone involved not only understood the material that they approached but also how to make something new without trying to overpower something that came before them which ends up offering more value, a new viewing perspective (in this case: a new listening take) on something already set.
Susanna Hoffs has said previously how she looks up and always gets inspired from Keith Richard by emphasizing how such ‘presence’ that exists ( through his smiles, swagger and overall attitude when approaching music ) was not about talent alone but a whole complete way that all translates his own views in both musicality as well as artistic presentation and those comments, are then more explicit when choosing their cover: ‘Connection’, was one of three Richards vocals which made a long lasting impression, giving insight why this wasn’t just some random selection as every component carries very well though-out planning in every stage from selection up to post-production results.
Through that specific understanding both Hoffs and Costello create that perfect balance between tribute to what was originally written while also using a distinct and unique voice; their choice wasn’t simply about following standard covers but making something completely and honestly theirs in a respectful nod towards their greatest influences by showing an emotional response and genuine care instead of simply mimicking; and its that level of intention that all musical fans always end up noticing or responding back in more positive way.
Susanna Hoffs, apart from working on unique projects such as this has an intriguing history of often revisiting the past by giving something new through creative production as previously mentioned about her recently released "The Lost Record" which are recordings she did a long time ago with various other artists while also focusing on stripping down studio recording production values with other talented artists for this current day releases shows that she always maintains a willingness in showcasing the past, and to add a personal, authentic element into everything that she creates, and does; it goes beyond simply presenting old tunes or material by always asking that extra step, it also helps bridge an obvious generational gap by presenting both classic structures alongside new and innovative viewpoints.
In closing this exploration we should focus that this new take over Rolling Stones "Connection," not simply works as a song, but more as an intersection point for long standing admiration. What came from this unique collaborative effort goes beyond surface production to highlight mutual creative drives in such a very specific moment in time to further add their own personal imprint over what originally created all that for them. It makes their tribute not just a birthday greeting for Keith Richard; it becomes a powerful example of how older compositions still hold relevance by giving new interpretations that do connect various generation of fans while still maintaining all those original core values that made them become as beloved as ever for all long run time music supporters.
This new 'Connection' by Hoffs & Costello can serve as both an example as a musical production or perhaps even an exploration over unique art that carries the weight and responsibilities of honoring their very own mentors.