Goose has joined forces with Secretly Canadian and released a cover of Nina Simone‘s “Sinnerman” as part of the label’s Giving Tuesday initiative. The band has shared the track to Bandcamp for SC’s 25th-anniversary singles series, which has raised $250,000 for New Hope For Families, a charity that aids homeless families in Bloomington, IN.
As is the case with many Goose covers, members Rick Mitarotonda (guitar/vocals), Peter Anspach (keys/guitar/vocals), Trevor Weekz (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), and Jeff Arevalo (percussion/vocals) truly make this cover their own. Conversely, unlike many Goose covers, this rendition of “Sinnerman” arrives shorter than the original—clocking in at 7:02, a full three minutes shorter than Simone’s.
The band trades a traditional piano for a tightly plucked guitar on the opening riff, immediately placing its indie influences at the forefront of the track. Mitarotonda’s emotionally resonant vocals arrive after the first few measures containing a healthy dose of reverb, helping them to soar above the mix and refining the exceptionally produced take.
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A tale of tension and release, the indie-groove quintet builds up to several peaks during the first half of the track before Anspach’s piano drives them to a two-minute jam section. Weekz really shines here and, alongside Atkind and Arevalo, sets the pace for this segment. Mitarotonda takes his trusty six-string for a ride to new heights before settling back into the verse and taking the song to its logical conclusion.
“Nina Simone’s take on ‘Sinnerman’ has been a point of inspiration for many years,” said Mitarotonda in a press release. “We’ve been wanting to play it for a while, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity. We’re honored to be a part of this compilation and be involved in the great cause behind it.”
Listen to the new Goose cover of “Sinnerman” below, available only on Bandcamp today. Additionally, the track will see a wider release on Friday, December 3rd. Click here to pre-save on a platform of your choice.
Goose will host its annual Goosemas celebration on December 18th at Uncasville, CT’s Mohegan Sun Arena ahead of a two-night New Year’s run at Chicago, IL’s Riviera Theatre (12/30–12/31). Head to the band’s website for tickets and additional tour information.
Goose – “Sinnerman” (Nina Simone)