On his last UK tour comedian Frank Skinner sang a song about Osama Bin Laden in the style of George Formby that contained the following couplet: "He had one hit then he went away, like a terrorism Macy Gray". Very witty, but rather harsh on the Grammy-winning singer who has sold over 15 million albums. Then again, maybe Frank had a point in a way. How many people outside that admittedly 15 million-strong fan club would be able to name many more hits than her global pain-soaked calling card "I Try".
This new album may not notch up any more smashes, but it certainly makes its mark. We already know that Gray has one of the most distinctive voices in soul, Minnie Mouse-meets-Aretha-and-a-sheet-of-sandpaper and here she applies it to other people’s songs. The range is dramatic, from the mainstream – a glacial version of Eurythmics’ "Here Comes the Rain Again" and a tear-jerking take on Radiohead's "Creep" – to the jaunty interpretation of "Smoke Two Joints" by The Toyes and a jolly skip through The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps". Odd and audacious choices, but when you have a timbre like Gray you can make anything your own.
Covered is produced by Hal Willner, who I first encountered in the mid-eighties when he worked on Lost in the Stars, which featured the likes of Marianne Faithfull and Tom Waits reworking Kurt Weill, so he clearly knows all about idiosyncratic vocals. Gray also reveals a sense of humour with playful musical sketches featuring cameos from Idris Elba, Nicole Scherzinger and MC Lyte. On “You Want Them Nervous", JB Smoove, aka Leon Black from Curb Your Enthusiasm, suggests Gray should carry a "big ass sword" onstage to scare her fans. I think she is scary enough unarmed. Never mind Osama Bin Laden, Gray gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "extraordinary rendition".
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See Macy Gray perform "Smoke Two Joints"
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