If you aren't already a fan of The Kennedys and didn't see their end-of-Summer online dance party yesterday, it's unlikely that you'd expect those two--or any two--talented singer-songwriter guitarists to cover a smash 1975 dance hit. Pete and Maura Kennedy knocked their take on Van McCoy's "The Hustle" out of the park yesterday, though, making me appreciate the tune in a way I hadn't before. Maura does an excellent job on the recurring vocal punctuation of "Do it!" and "Do the hustle!" Maura and Pete both shine on guitar, as well; in fact, Maura complimented her husband, saying he played the flute part on guitar perfectly. If I'd never heard the original version, I would think the tune had been composed for two guitars.
The Kennedys' guitar translation of "The Hustle" also reminds me of their playing on the first song of theirs I ever heard, "River Of Fallen Stars." It's the title track from their 1995 debut CD as a duo. This was one of the rare times I bought a CD by any artists without hearing any of their work beforehand. The music store owner gave it a rave review, and based on his descriptions of the clear, welcoming vocals and jangly guitars, I thought, "There's no way I won't like this." I was right.
Honorable mention: The Kennedys' version of The Kinks' hit, "Come Dancing," was another highlight of yesterday's dance party. With two guitars and Maura's voice leading the way, the lyrics are enunciated well, allowing listeners to absorb them more fully.
