Song #64: The Brakes - Jackson (off Give Blood - 2005)
While this version of the classic June Carter and Johnny Cash duet isn’t perhaps the best cover ever recorded of Jackson, I think it’s my favourite.
I love the energy they give to it, but the best part is the gender switch. I’ve listened to this version so many times that I often forget that most covers have the dude desperate to leave the marriage. The Brakes version (featuring the lovely Leila Moss of The Duke Spirit) suddenly takes a different look entirely on the situation, and I think it’s interesting that it has a whole different feel to it with the genders reversed.
June seems to be almost amused by Johnny’s fantasy of running off to a new city - her attitude is practically one of, “Uh-huh. Good luck with that.” She thinks he’s a fool, but they agree that their marriage needs a little spice and she must think that maybe his humiliation will be good for a laugh at least. She thinks that she is much more suited to the lively Jackson night life, and the whole thing seems to be in good nature.
In this version, though? It almost feels like Eamon is warning her. I get the impression of mild concern and even a little patronization. Leila, to her credit, is having none of it. This version, more than others I’ve heard, offers an idea why their relationship is floundering.
I’m supposed to do a duet of this song with Josh at karaoke sometime soon, and I want to bring this level of characterization to our performance somehow. I think about this kind of thing too much…
