Tommy Shaw Releases 'Going To California' Cover

Happy Friday. This weekend in America, we officially kick-off our (lost) summer. Here is some new music to get us going. From my inbox:

May 22, 2020 -- During these crazy and surreal times, music is the grand healer. While bands can’t be on tour right now bringing music to their fans directly, STYX singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw recognizes the continuing vital and soothing need for new music by releasing a previously unreleased acoustic version of the Led Zeppelin classic, “Going to California” via STYX’s label, Alpha Dog 2T, Inc. 

Stream Shaw-Blades 'Influence' and Support BBG!

While it was recorded many years ago, Shaw thought it was the perfect time to pull it out of the vault for fans to enjoy.

 

As he explains:

 

"After touring behind two Shaw-Blades albums, we discussed a second album of covers and actually recorded a few more, but we never officially set a project into motion. Styx would soon get back together and hit the road with the “Return to Paradise” tour. Will Evankovich and I decided to cut “Going to California” and did it at my home studio in the Hollywood Hills.

 

We recently gave it a listen and when Styx manager Charlie Brusco suggested we release it now to help fill the musical void that the lockdown had created, it suddenly had a new purpose. We had it mastered here in Nashville and created some artwork and got it placed on all the streaming platforms. Robert Plant’s original vocal is stellar, but I tried to make it my own while honoring its essence. I hope you enjoy it!"

Comments

[Gary]

I love this song. Always have. When I saw he was going to cover it, I’ll admit I had my doubts. Short of Ann Wilson/Heart, most Zep do-overs usually don’t do it for me. That being said, I thought that was Awesome. Didn’t try to nail Robert Plant,which was smart of him. Just sang it with emotion. Music was impeccable. Spot on. 2 thumbs up from this guy. Thanks Allyson. 8-)

[GNR]

Perfectly said Gary.

For Telsa fans :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj_sXoLwD1E

[Him]

I will second you, GNR. Gary nailed it with his concise review! Like Gary, I am partial to Ann's remake. But this is not bad at all.

[Bkallday]

I loved the Damn Yankees and wish they would make a comeback but I think ol Nuge has finally went off the deep end. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[Him]

Another point of agreement, Bkallday! I really enjoy "Don't Tread on Me." Sure, it is a bit cornball. But a great song and a pretty good band.

With The Nuge, I just try to look in the rear view for the most part, comfortable acting like I don't know now what I didn't know then. "Stranglehold," although I blame _Dazed and Confused_ for getting it overplayed (and I am not sure the lyrics work in our PC world of today), is a great slab of rock.

My only other peeve? I sure wish he stuck with a singer as good as Derek St. Holmes when he does his solo thing. Then again, for every case of LSD, there is an equal case of LGD (see also: Malmsteen, etc., etc.).

Actually, I have a lot more 'peeves' when it comes to The Nuge. But, like I said, rear view.