Famously, the lyrics to Dolly Parton’s song Jolene are about the eponymous character taking someone else’s man. At least potentially. After all, we only ever hear the inference the singer/narrator has taken while Jolene’s intentions, whatever they are, are never confirmed. What we have here however is Parton’s song actually being ‘taken’ by another band. And not for the first time, for Jolene has passed somewhat promiscuously through the hands of (in no particular order) The White Stripes, Beyonce, Olivia Newton John, Sisters Of Mercy, Pentatonix, Miley Cyrus and Strawberry Switchblade – among others. I’m pretty sure it’s never been done in a organ-led soul-jazz-funk style however which is where Parlor Greens come in. They haven’t?! They certainly have! Works too. And it all came together backstage at the Brooklyn Bowl with Jimmy James messing around with the guitar part with Adam Scone and Tim Carman immediately pouncing on the idea and running with it. Check ’em rocking it live in Denver this August below.
(Out 1 October on Colemine Records)
