From Kendrick Lamar’s emotionally charged — and pretty badass — performance with Imagine Dragons to Carole King and Sara Bareilles’ soaring duet, this year’s Grammys were hardly bereft of unlikely and unique musical collaborations. But the show’s genre bending collabos weren’t the only music firsts of the night. Famed Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman, Karen O debuted her new laidback cover of Bob Marley’s, “I Shot the Sheriff”.
O, who is known for her evocative style and friendly, but could beat-you-up-if-need-be demeanor, teamed up with production duo N.A.S.A. for a reworking of the intensely political track that aired during a Sonos commercial Grammy night. Karen O’s smooth vocals drift along an ultra funky baseline, layered with synths, a welcome and entertaining departure from her usually sound. Thanks to N.A.S.A. producers, Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon, the new rendition offers some instantly infectious pop reggae sunshine — perfect for warding off those polar vortex doldrums.
Consider this just another notch in Karen O’s collaboration belt. She’s joined forces with fellow funked out female artist, Santigold, Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and has even matched up with big name director David Lynch for her most recent music venture — scoring movie soundtracks. (She recently scored an Oscar nom for “Moon Song,” a track she wrote and performed for Spike Jonze’s critically acclaimed movie, “Her”.
Stream the Karen O’s take on “I Shot the Sheriff” via soundcloud.
