The best covers of “Song to the Siren” by Tim Buckley

A yearning love song that expresses Beckett’s love of Greek mythology and the ancient tale of enchanting sirens luring sailors to their deaths, both he and Buckley called the song their best collaboration in terms of lyrics and melody. And it seems they were right. Artists from David Gray to David Lynch love it.

While The Monkees Version is undoubtedly the best known and most revered rendition of the title, the recording on Star Sailorplayed in B♭ Major key, with electric guitar, backing vocals and plenty of reverb, its cultural value crystallized. It led to numerous cover versions after Buckley’s tragic death at the age of 28 in 1975, keeping its spirit alive.

It must also be said that these two different interpretations are testament to Buckley’s talent. When combined with the innovativeness of some of his other work, one wonders what his career would have been like had he not suffered from an overdose of heroin and morphine.

Find the five best covers of “Song to the Siren” below.

The five best covers of “Song to the Siren”:

5. Sinead O’Connor

It’s no surprise that the cover of the late Sinéad O’Connor’s “Song to the Siren” delves deeply into the intoxicating nature of the mythical sirens and the song by Buckley and Beckett. Released as a bonus track to 2012’s “Song to the Siren” What if I were myself (and you were yourself)? Her heartfelt and passionate delivery is similar in its melismatic character to Elizabeth Fraser’s interpretation of “This Mortal Coil”, but the music adds a completely different dimension.

Backed by glistening synths and an intoxicating, repetitive beat – similar to a slowed down version of baggy music – all elements envelop the listener in this version. Aspects like this mean that lyrics like “Let me enfold you” take on a more direct meaning, enhanced by the Irish legend’s stirring delivery and stunning production. This cover builds to an immense climax that is the icing on the cake.

4. Pat Boone

No list of covers of “Song to the Siren” would be complete without Boone’s energetic 1969 rendition. Taking the composition in a more anthemic direction, his weighty baritone solidifies the romantic spirit of the lyrics, while the expressive drums and stirring brass that come increasingly to the fore make this version very different from Buckley’s. Nevertheless, it is very effective and reflects another aspect of 1960s culture.

This rendition is a maximalist version of the folk classic, not Haight-Ashbury, and was intended for the bright lights and glamour of Las Vegas and the lively crowds that Boone had long been accustomed to by the time of the release. It’s absolutely exquisite when he sings “Touch me not” and the brass comes together. Not every cover has to be so depressing.

3. Robert Plant

As he made clear during his 12 years with Led Zeppelin and throughout his successful solo career, Robert Plant is a folk fanatic. As another songwriter whose own work spans various mythologies, it’s no real surprise that his love of the genre and this form of literature led him to bring one of the best interpretations of Buckley’s masterpiece to life.

From Plant’s 2002 album, Dreamlandthis cover leans heavily on the heady mood of the titular Sirens and the original through its introspective delivery, gliding guitar line and, most importantly, languishing strings. In this work, it is not the Sirens who beckon from the horizon, but golden-haired Robert Plant, a man who has seen things that even Odysseus’ weary sailors could not have comprehended.

2. John Frusciante

John Frusciante may be a funk-rock master and guitar hero, but when it comes to creating music, he’s no flash in the pan. With a long list of influences that includes everything from post-punk to dance, he’s naturally touched on many forms as a solo artist when he’s detached from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ mold. His cover of “Song to the Siren” is more soulful than any other on this list and remains a stark reminder of his brilliance outside of guitar playing.

Released as part of his own solo highlight, the star-studded 2009 album The Empyrean, In this tender moment, all that’s heard is Frusciante on vocals, the warm electronic sound of the keyboard and other distorted digital textures. He lets the power of the words and Frusciante’s palpably pained delivery do the talking and he really lets it go. It’s a real tearjerker.

1. This mortal shell

Although Frusciante’s work emphatically claimed the top spot, there’s simply nothing better than This Mortal Coil’s best-known cover of “Song to the Siren,” which, given his age and musical taste, he probably wouldn’t have recorded if it weren’t for the song. A minimalist interpretation, carried by the elemental power of the voice of Cocteau Twins singer Elizabeth Fraser, who is singing voice this time, as opposed to the abstract mouth music she’s famous for, it has lost none of its power since its 1983 release.

This version, featuring only the sparse, reverb-drenched guitar of Cocteau Twins member Robin Guthrie, remains the most impactful ever released and is by far the most important number on the 4AD collective’s 1984 debut album. It will end in tears.

It’s strange how life can unfold: In the 1990s, Fraser had an intense romantic relationship with Jeff Buckley, who was enchanted by her ever since he first heard this work.

Related topics