I’m Matt, guitarist for 7 Years Today. We’re a modern rock band in Central Texas. I happen to think we’re pretty good, but of course I’m partial. I’ve always been a fan of writing, so what the heck. Let’s give this a go.
On our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/7yearstoday) a poll was put up asking which cover is your favorite. The choices are: In the Air Tonight, Turn the Page, or Simple Man. The first two (and only as of this writing) comments discuss our cover of “Billie Jean.”
This made me laugh because it reminded me of how big a mistake I made about this song. Brad (to whom the credit deserves) played the Chris Cornell version of the MJ song. It sounded good in a slow, everyone stands there and waits for the next upbeat song kind of way. I can’t say I put the kabosh on the idea, but I guess I do hold some sway in how things get prioritized.
We had a private party to play in which it turns out the guest of honor is a huge MJ fan. I acquiesced and said let’s give it a shot. Now Brad had already made the point that with Mylon’s voice and my bluesy guitar work, he can hear us doing something really cool with it. Points to Brad for playing to a guitarist’s ego by the way.
Reaction has been extremely positive as this has become a staple when we play cover songs. Yes, its slow, its moody and dark. It’s also powerful and somehow feels like it transcends its slow tempo. When I hit the first chord in the pre-chorus, it feels like razors cutting through a haze.
In Buddhism, there is this thing called the “Beginner’s Mind.” Essentially, it’s the idea of walking into every experience as a novice, filled with wonder and without complexities. This song reminds me of that in some way. Sometimes you have to get past the analysis and over-analysis of cover songs and just give a song a shot.
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