Yonder Mountain String Band has released a cover of “Goodbye Blue Sky” by Pink Floyd from quarantine. The song, which originally chronicled the British air raids of World War II, has gained some added relevance as many were forced to bid farewell to the blue skies as a result of past COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders.
This is far from YMSB’s first foray into Floyd, as the jamgrass act has covered both Animals and Meddle albums in their entireties at past Northwest String Summit gatherings.
From the first moment of the “Goodbye Blue Sky” video, it is immediately apparent that Yonder is committed to authenticity. The opening chatter of birds heard on the studio record is mimicked, as the group also employs the same font style used on The Wall‘s album cover. Then, the absolute cherry on top of this homage, is a small child (hopefully belonging to somebody in the band) reciting the opening “look mummy, there’s an airplane up in the sky” line.
The band then launches into a textured cover of the classic rock tune, bolstered by the presence of the violin, mandolin, banjo, and acoustic bass on top of the delicate acoustic guitar riff. Yonder also utilizes its immense singing talent with a chorus of voices from Allie Kral, Ben Kaufmann, and Adam Aijala. The song’s lyrics “Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter when the promise of a brave new world unfurled beneath a clear blue sky” become all the more haunting in this post-coronavirus society.
Watch Yonder Mountain String Band cover “Goodbye Blue Sky” by Pink Floyd.
Yonder Mountain String Band — “Goodbye Blue Sky”
[Video: Yonder Mountain String Band]
Like many bands, Yonder Mountain String Band has called an audible after the cancellation of its summer touring plans and have announced a drive-in concert. The show will take place at Terry Bison Ranch in Cheyenne, WY on Sunday, June 21st. For tickets and information, click here.
[H/T Jambase]