I was riding my bike the other day and passed by a house that had a lawn service truck parked in front. The side of the truck proclaimed that the company that owned it was “your partner in a lush green lawn.” The only problem was that the lawn was dry and brown like every other lawn in my neck of the woods. Probably not the best advertising for that lawn service. But definitely a good theme for Cover Freak.

Dave Alvin “The Green Green, Grass Of Home” (Porter Wagoner)
The fact that everybody’s lawn is brown is encouraging in a way. It means that people aren’t wasting water in the pursuit of the elusive suburban ideal of replicating an English meadow in front of their houses. But since this song is really about the thoughts of a convict awaiting execution he’s allowed to dream of green grass. Dreaming shriveled brown grass would just be depressing.

Hans Theessink & Terry Evans “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You” (Wilson Pickett)
These days you don’t have to worry about being fooled by green grass because there isn’t any. Regardless, I love this percolating acoustic take on the soul classic.

Purple Schulz “Rain” (The Beatles)
We haven’t had much rain this summer and in fact the Chicago area is close to being officially in draught. It’s a little weird because we live on the shore of one of the largest bodies of fresh water on the planet and all the lawns and gardens are shriveling. But we’re probably due for a really violent thunderstorm that will set things right.

Bina Mistry “Hot Hot Hot” (Buster Pointexter)
Not only have we not had much rain it’s been stinkin’ hot around here. Almost as hot as this Bollywood cover of the 80s novelty hit from David Johansen. I’m glad that he found a way to make money since the New York Dolls never did. I just hope he invested wisely.

Shelby Lynne “I Only Want To Be With You” (Dusty Springfield)
A bigger problem than the dead grass is the dust everywhere. It’s getting so you have to close your eyes every time the wind blows.