Listen: Al Green Covers Lou Reed’s Opulent “Perfect Day”
Hana Gustafson on August 23, 2023
Photo Credit: Kevin Yatarola
Al Green has shared his first new single in five years. The musician, known for releasing a series of soul singles in the early 1970s, including “Take Me to the River,” “Tired of Being Alone,” and “Let’s Stay Together,” has delivered his take on Lou Reed’s opulent classic “Perfect Day.”
Green reunited with the Hi Rhythm Section members at Sam Phillips Recording Studio in Memphis, Tenn., in February to record his take on the Transformer cut, which originated on Reed’s second post-Velvet Underground solo album. “I loved Lou’s original ‘Perfect Day,’” said Green.
“The song immediately puts you in a good mood. We wanted to preserve that spirit while adding our own sauce and style,” the musician offered–holding true to his statement–Green’s recognizable vocals cascade over organ from Reverend Charles Hodges, in addition to a swelling and extensive strings section.
The soul star’s take on Reed’s material coincides with announcing three impending live performances slated for the fall and early winter, including a one-night stand on Sept. 30 at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland, Calif. After, the celebrated artist will take part in a Nov. 24 gig at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, followed by another gig on Nov. 25 at Family Arena in Saint Charles, Mo., with Bettye LaVette.
“Perfect Day” is the latest cover from Green, after he delivered a take on Freddy Fender’s “Before The Next Teardrop Falls.”
Tickets to the aforementioned performances are available now. Scroll down to listen to Green’s cover of “Perfect Day.”
[embedded content]