The majority of artists to take on a Joni Mitchell cover song weren’t up to the daunting task, I’d say, but it’s always fun to rubberneck the effort — be it regrettable or glorious. This time, though, I knew Lisa Hannigan would turn in an exceptional rendition of “Willy,” Joni Mitchell’s 1970 Ladies of the Canyon ode to Graham Nash. What’s more, Hannigan performed the tune with only her voice (take that, Patrick Wolf) in a 3-song set for Earphoria, bookended by Sea Sew cuts “Lille” and “Ocean and a Rock.” Watch the full set, or just “Willy” at the 6:00 mark, above.
Ethan Johns, Featured, Jon Brion, Laura Marling, Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Adams