To riff on a famous Brian Eno quip, I’d guess that the number of people who bought Norah Jones’ Come Away From Me at a Starbucks in 2002 is roughly the same as the number of people who were inspired to record coffeehouse-muzak acoustic covers of her breakout single “Don’t Know Why.” While the song’s simple jazz-pop brilliance practically invites homage-payers to do as little with it as possible, Brooklyn duo smush took that as a challenge to alter the song’s DNA to fit their own aesthetic, a sort of modern take on The Depreciation Guild’s chipgaze sound.
Their version of the tune arrived ahead of a new covers EP titled standards that will drop this Friday, additionally featuring reinterpretations of songs by peers like Hotline TNT and Field Medic, as well as a cover of “Fireflies” by Owl City—a very different type of Millennial anthem. Ahead of that release date, the duo is sharing a music video they created for “Don’t Know Why” that leans into the sense of earnestness implied by the cover, as well as the feelings that fueled it. “Like the song it’s for, it captures the longing we share for each other,” the married duo shares. “For the two of us, these creative moments we find ourselves in serve as love letters of special times shared. By offering a look into our world, we hope that it inspires others to find and forge deep and meaningful connections that become transformative to their experience. Though the song and video share a slightly melancholic undertone, what it highlights is the true value and importance of having people in your life that you care deeply about and keep close.”
Check out the video—which stars vocalist/bassist Emily Borrowman in a state of reflection while alone in transit—below, and pre-save standards here.
