"Strange Weather" is the title track from Anna Calvi’s 2014 EP, a collection comprised entirely of cover songs. This particular rendition is a haunting, atmospheric duet featuring David Byrne (of Talking Heads fame) and is a reimagining of the original song by French-Israeli songwriter Keren Ann12. The collaboration showcases both artists’ expressive vocal styles and deep interpretive skills.
Release & Context
- Release Date: July 15, 2014
- Label: Domino Recording Company
- Producer: Thomas Bartlett
- Genre: Art rock, experimental pop
- The EP was recorded in New York and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Miles Showell.
Song Details
- The title track stands out as a lush, slow-burning ballad, built around minimal piano, shimmering guitar, and mournful, intertwining vocals.
- David Byrne, a longtime admirer of Calvi’s work, suggested the song for the project and sings alongside her, adding emotional weight and complexity.
- The arrangement trades the original’s subtlety for a more dramatic, immersive approach, employing unusual harmonies and dynamic instrumentation.
Music Video
- The official video, directed by Alan Del Rio Ortiz, stars actress Kate Lyn Sheil and visually matches the track’s noirish mood—following a nocturnal journey through New York City.
- The video heightens the song's sense of dreamlike unease and introspective longing.
Critical Reception
- Reviewers praise the cover for its evocative noir-pop atmosphere and the synergy between Calvi and Byrne’s performances, calling the result "stunning".
- The EP overall affirms Calvi’s talent for reimagining existing material, with this track widely considered its emotional centerpiece.
Track Listing of the EP
| Track | Original Artist | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Papi Pacify | FKA Twigs | |
| I'm The Man, That Will Find You | Connan Mockasin | David Byrne (vocals) |
| Ghost Rider | Suicide | |
| Strange Weather | Keren Ann | David Byrne (duet) |
| Lady Grinning Soul | David Bowie |
Notable Quotes
“When Thomas Bartlett said he was going to be in the studio producing an EP of Anna doing covers, I immediately agreed to join in... I loved the last Keren Ann record and I thought Strange Weather had a haunting quality that might suit Anna.”
—David Byrne1
In Summary
"Strange Weather" by Anna Calvi (featuring David Byrne) is celebrated for its evocative arrangement and remarkable vocal interplay. The song stands as a highlight in Calvi’s catalog of covers—melding emotional depth, musical innovation, and collaborative artistry into an unforgettable rendition14.
