Sharon Van Etten‘s sophomore album epic turned ten last September and to celebrate, the veteran singer-songwriter will release a deluxe version of the album, epic Ten. The two-disc collection features the original album on one CD and a collection of covers on the other. Featured artists on the covers disc include Fiona Apple, Courtney Barnett and Vagabon, Lucinda Williams, Big Red Machine (Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon), Shamir, IDLES, and St. Panther. On Wednesday, Sharon Van Etten shared Courtney Barnett and Vagabon’s take on “Don’t Do It”.
This marks the latest collaboration for Barnett and Vagabon, who released a collaborative cover of Tim Hardin‘s folk standard, “Reason To Believe”, back in January. Prior to that, the two had shared the stage—also for a performance of “Reason To Believe”—at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles on February 14th, 2020. That concert, billed as Courtney Barnett & Friends, served as a benefit for Newport Festivals Foundation and also saw appearances from Lucius, Sharon Van Etten, Father John Misty, Waxahatchee, and more.
Barnett and Vagabon’s take on Etten’s “Don’t Do It” sees an amalgamation of all three artist’s unique styles. Etten’s lyrics present the guidepost for Barnett’s grungy, deadpan delivery that is only bolstered by Vagabon’s delicate, if reserved, backing vocals.
Etten said of Barnett,
Courtney Barnett has been an important musical influence on me since 2014, when we first met at The Neptune theater in Seattle. From the first time we met, I felt like I made an immediate friend. From performing together, to having home hangs in between tours, commiserating with the very specific mixed feelings of tour life assimilating back to home life and figuring out the in between as we have been learning how to nurture our domestic lives while paying attention to our creative selves outside of the album and touring cycle. I admire Courtney’s writing style in that she has such a unique and intimate narrative approach while being personal and funny, without giving too much away. I feel connected to her music and perspective, while always wanting to learn more – and as a friend she has offered me guidance and advice while also being an ear when I have been in a rut or when I am in need of a new approach to look at my writing in a new way.
Listen to Courtney Barnett and Vagabon’s take on Sharon Van Etten’s “Don’t Do It”. epic Ten is due out on April 16th via Ba Da Bing, click here to pre-order.
Courtney Barnett, Vagabon – “Don’t Do It” (Sharon Van Etten)
[Video: Sharon Van Etten]
[H/T Brooklyn Vegan]