The FADER’s transgender charity covers compilation FADER & Friends Volume 1 is out now, available exclusively on Bandcamp until December 1, 2023. 100% of the proceeds go towards the Transgender Law Center, Mermaids, and Rainbow Railroad. Throughout the month of November, we’re speaking to the artists who contributed to the 44-song collection about the songs they covered.
Think that "Wonderwall" is the best wedding song in Oasis' catalog? Think again. "Talk Tonight," a B-side released in 1995, hits similar lyrical themes of redemption found in another person but does so more directly than in the shaggy poetry of "Wonderwall." "Talk Tonight" also has comparable passion and a hook that's nearly as anthemic, but most importantly, listening to it probably won't bring back cringe-y memories of using its lyrics at love notes in grade school, as "Wonderwall" does for so many. Chicago indie rock group Smut stay in the original version's acoustic lane for their cover while bringing a new smokiness that makes the song's sentiments feel like even more of an oasis.
Listen to the song below and buy the full album on Bandcamp. Scroll down to read Smut on the original song and their cover.
What's your first memory of this song?
In 6th grade my dad paid some amount of money to access a livestream of a show Noel Gallagher was doing in Paris. It was a gift for my and my sister's birthday, so we sat around our family computer in kitchen chairs and watched his acoustic set. I think that is the first time I remember really truly listening to the song.
Why did you decide to record it as your cover?
We think this song is simple and poignant, it’s romantic in its tenderness and reminds you that there are people willing to help you through the dark. The world can feel vast and lonely for everyone but there is always someone out there who understands you or wants to and who is willing to sit with you even just to talk.
What does this song/band mean to you personally?
We all have been huge Oasis fans for a long time, I wear an Oasis guitar pick necklace at most of our shows. For me it was my first band that I REALLY got into so it acts as a tether to youth and home. We also just love that they were a massive band who came from nothing, it’s something to aspire to.
What's another song you'd love to cover and why?
"Androgynous" by The Replacements. I think it’s a very thoughtful and prophetic song. It’s one of those rare songs that makes you feel less alone. As a kid I was surprised to hear such a tender and raw song about gender identity, coming from the '80s, especially.