Iron & Wine and Ben Birdwell’s Luther: An Odd Couple Cover that Pulls it Off

A few years ago there was a rash of bluegrass covers of hip hop tracks. A lot of these were a bit gimmicky and you didn’t hear much from those bands other than those covers. The hope was that the crazy combination of hip hop and bluegrass would bring people in. The songs were fun, but didn’t really stick. So, when I saw that Iron & Wine (Sam Beam) and Ben Birdwell (from Band of Horses) were covering Kendrick’s and SZA’s Luther…I was a bit skeptical. However, Sam and Ben are artists with huge histories in music…so there is some real talent behind this cover. Let’s see if they pull it off or if it is another gimmicky cover meant to get clicks.

Musically the song is the cruisy indie folk that both artists are known for. Expertly picked acoustic guitar accompanied by some simplistic snare, deep bass and some electric guitar texture. You feel like you are around the campfire at the cabin in the middle of a jam. Most importantly, the track is that great middle ground between a tight duo and an organic jam. It is not as loose as Kurt Vile, but there is enough play in the song to make it feel organic, but not totally formless. I think both Sam and Ben play well off each other and this track hits all the indie folk note you could hope for.

Since it is a cover we will not focus on the lyrics, but if this different interpretation adds anything to the track. First off, the original is amazing and it is one of those songs you can never replace with a cover. Instead, what you can hope for is the cover giving you another perspective on the track. Sam and Ben’s folky beard rock style takes the track from a popping and warm hip hop track to an emotionally deep love song. Their interpretation of the lyrics, especially the hook, gives the track an added emotional depth that gives you another layer to the original.

This is not a gimmick, but a genuine cover that seeks to honour the original. Like all great covers, Iron & Wine’s and Ben’s interpretation gives you a deeper appreciation for the original and elevates Kendrick’s and SZA’s work. No cover can ever replace the original Luther, but this cover gives you an added dimension and a new way to enjoy such a well written track.

Listen to Luther