Though the Reminder is pretty fabulous from top to bottom, “Sea Lion Woman” was easily one of the album’s catchier tracks, with it’s earthy, quick beat. It was also a highlight in Feist’s live shows.
Feist: “Sea Lion Woman” (download)
In my recent Internet travels, I came across Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s own Matt Bauer, a man with some serious folk talent. Upon visiting his MySpace, I discovered his great version of “Sea Lion Woman.”
Matt Bauer: “Sea Lion Woman” (download)
It’s pretty similar in terms of the approach, but his version ends up sounding like a story or myth that might be told around the camp fire, whereas Feist’s take felt like an anthem (her version is actually a slight tweaking of Nina Simone’s “Sea Line Woman,” as reader Ian pointed out).
Bauer has an album called The Island Moved in the Storm coming out later this year (September 2nd), and what I’ve heard of it is stellar. Modern folk afficionados and anyone who’s gone gaga over Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago will want to add it to their calendars. He also has a few East Coast shows coming up – check his MySpace for details.
5 comments
Ian says:
Jun 25, 2008
sea lion woman was actually originally recorded as see line woman by Nina Simone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfMp6zcmcFw
Taylor says:
Jun 25, 2008
Oh wow, I had no idea – and I love Nina Simone. Thanks for letting me know!
Michael says:
Jun 27, 2008
Bauer’s Sea Lion came out before Feist’s rendition. Bauer also learned this from an old Smithsonian Folkways recording of children’s hand clap songs. It’s been covered many times over and there are many different interpretations of the tune and its origin.
Taylor says:
Jun 27, 2008
Ah. I figured since he had changed it in the same way that she had that he was copying her. Good to know.
Billy F says:
Jun 29, 2008
I was going to mention that Nina Simone had the original version of “sea lion woman”/”see line woman”, but it seems I’ve been beaten to the punch,