Shannon Lay has announced Covers Vol. 1, a collection of covers out April 14 via Sub Pop. “I absolutely love doing covers,” Lay said in a statement, “It’s such a joy to offer my perspective on songs I admire and spread the word about amazing artists. Covers Vol. 1 is the first in a series of cover records celebrating my obsession with shannonizing songs.” The album includes covers of songs by Ty Segall, the Velvet Underground, Arthur Russell, Vashti Bunyan, and more.

Watch the Kai MacKnight–directed video accompanying Lay’s version of Elliott Smith’s “Angeles” below. Of the cover, Lay said in a statement:

If I had a nickel for every minute I’ve spent listening to Elliott Smith I’d be a very rich woman. His intricate thoughtfulness always fills me up. “Angeles” was one of those songs I was always quite intimidated to learn but upon finally trying it came together so naturally.  Then Debbie Neigher topped things off with an amazing piano outro. I love feeling Elliott’s spirit embedded in the musical scene at large. Anywhere notes are played he lives on.

Lay’s last album, Geist, was released in 2021. “Rare to Wake” from that album was named one of Pitchfork’s “100 Best Songs of 2021.”

https://pitchfork.com/news/shannon-lay-covers-elliott-smith-angeles-for-new-album-listen