Ari Scott: Music From My Living Room

“Goodbye Girl” by Ari Scott

(originally by Squeeze)

When my friend Will suggested a short list of songs he wished to see me cover, I chose this one. Will directed my beloved and now-defunct UCB sketch group mixtape ‘98 for the equivalent of almost a year and he’s a great guy, so how could I refuse?

The original song was released in 1978 and I assume there isn’t an official video. Here is Squeeze performing it live in 2008.

“Brite Side” by Ari Scott

(originally by Deborah Harry)

This is one of my favorite songs from the 80s. I feel like not many people know of it. I heard it on the radio in (I think) 1989 and put it on a mixtape and listened to it over and over to the point where I always think the end of the song will lead into the next song that was on the tape (R.E.M.’s “The One I Love”).

When this song was released Debbie Harry was calling herself Deborah Harry.

Here’s the original song and video. I still don’t understand why it wasn’t a huge hit.

“Dream A Little Dream Of Me” by Ari Scott

(music by Fabian Andre & Wilbur Schwandt; lyrics by Gus Kahn)

This song, written around 1930, has been recorded by just about everyone. There isn’t one recording in particular I’m most familiar with; I think I found the music in a fake book in the late 90s and decided I liked it.

I think some of the prettiest songs ever were written in the early to mid-twentieth century.

Also, this is an example of a “tag line song,” musical improv students.

“La Isla Bonita” by Ari Scott

(originally by Madonna)

It was a difficult decision deciding which Madonna song to cover first, as I’ve been a fan of hers ever since I can remember. This song is from 1986’s True Blue, an album I played the crap out of when I was a kid. (I bought the LP instead of the cassette because it came with a poster.)

Look closely for a young Benicio del Toro in the background of the song’s 1987 music video.

“Right Where It Belongs” by Ari Scott

(originally by Nine Inch Nails)

I wouldn’t want to imagine a world without Trent Reznor. He is one of my favorite artists, one of my favorite songwriters, and this is one of my favorite songs of all time.

Watch a performance from one of NIN’s incredible live shows.

“Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself” by Ari Scott

(originally by Morrissey)

I saw Morrissey in concert last night, 18 years after the first time I saw him in concert. I decided to record a cover of one of the songs from the show and chose this one from one of my favorite albums, 1994’s Vauxhall And I.

Last night he joked that March 17th was “the most important holiday on our calendar.”

Watch his live version of the song on BBC.

“The Metro” by Ari Scott

(originally by Berlin)

I recorded the music bed for this about two years ago (and, technically, in my bedroom). It’s been sitting on my computer ever since. I re-recorded the vocals today. Coming from an acoustic background, it’s always fun to do a little something like this every once in awhile.

I just read on the song’s wiki page that it’s been covered by John Frusciante. But not this John Frusciante. The other one.

Watch the original video, recorded in 1983(!).

“Blue Dress” by Ari Scott

(originally by Depeche Mode)

Also one of my favorite bands and the first band I ever saw live.

The original is from their fantabulous 1990 album Violator.

“Videotape” by Ari Scott & John Frusciante

(originally by Radiohead)

This is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands.

I recorded the vocals & piano. John programmed the drums & synth.