In a world full of cheap imitations when it comes to soulful vocals, Kylie Auldist is the real deal. Perhaps best known as lead singer of Aussie band The Bamboos, my recommended listening would be her inspired cover of Jeff Buckley’s “Everybody Here Wants You” if you want to check out her vocal chops. A masterclass in controlled power, phrasing and emoting — she’s closer to the greats of yesteryear than almost any voice I can think of in today’s landscape. So, it’s beyond refreshing to see her name listed first in this collaboration with producer Tony Garcia, reimagining Gwen Guthrie’s “Peanut Butter.”
Although Auldist performs the song in a much lower register than Guthrie, there’s definitely some similarities between the two voices. While so many (too many) cover versions of the classics can sound forced, this just feels natural. Garcia’s framing of the song feels warm and familiar, classy deep house of the finest order. Eric Kupper‘s “Luxurious Spread Mix” takes us straight back to the ’90s with its lingering strings, percussive organs and subtle, understated drum programming. Timeless. The MicFreak goes for a loopier, disco-tinged vibe for his “House Nuts Mix,” which rolls like a train thanks to a percussive, chopped live bass and funky clav / wah guitar combo.
Not all House cover versions are created equal in 2022. Thankfully some of them (well, at least one so far this year) feel like an affectionate tribute to the original song, rather than the usual cheap shot. Spread this all over!
Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (Vagrant Soundz / Digital / June 2022)
1. Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (Tony’s Deep Spread Original Recipe) (6:24)
2. Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (The Eric Kupper Luxurious Spread Mix) (7:03)
3. Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (The MicFreak House Nuts Mix) (6:04)
4. Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (Tony Garcia All The Nuts Mix) (5:14)
5. Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (The Eric Kupper Instrumental Luxurious Spread Mix) (7:03)
6. Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (Tony’s Deep Spread Original Recipe Radio Edit) (3:45)
7. Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (Eric Kupper’s Luxurious Spread Radio Edit) (3:21)
8. Kylie Auldist & Tony Garcia: Peanut Butter (Micfreak’s House Nuts Radio Edit) (4:05)
⚪️ Disclosure Statement: This record was submitted as a promo.
This was originally published in #ReInvention: 5 Mag Issue #199 with Dance System, Lester Fitzpatrick, Roots Underground and more. Support 5 Mag by becoming a member for as little as $1 per issue.
