Another superb cover. This is one of the more experimental cuts from the record, as well as one of the most synth-heavy: as a massive electronic music fan, this really appeals to me, especially the lovely decaying, delayed pads that run through this interpretation’s entirety. Moz’s voice is angelic, as befits the lyrics, but the chords take a downturn at the end of the verse: everything is just window dressing for a disfunctional relationship (“not half as magic as she seems”).
The point where the lead vocals drop away is the song’s best, though, leaving a disorientating wash of backing vocals (which remind me of Liz Fraser from the Cocteau Twins) as well as a shoegazy, almost Lynch-Badalementi and Julee Cruise styled shimmer of phasing synths. The guitar and dog combo at the end is a nice touch to end this unassuming, yet grand (see the chorus and it’s more convincing horns) song. A grower, but another favourite from the IMO underrated California Son.
8/10