Chicago-based Art Rock musician Andrew Schneider just hit my radar with a cover of XTC’s hit song “Mermaid Smiled” from the 1986 album Skylarking. Adnwrew crafted a cover that honors the original while adding his unique artistic touch. He stays true to the song’s whimsical spirit, retaining the nostalgic lyrics and beautiful melodies while expanding the sonic palette with lush keyboards, synthesizers, electric guitar and a more developed drum kit. This rich arrangement adds a new layer of dreamy feel to the original, making it familiar yet new to the listeners.
What stands out is Andrew’s ability to blend his vocal warmth with the song’s layered instrumentation, bringing a new depth to the themes of growth and nostalgia. His production is very detailed and captures the complexity of XTC’s chord changes and dynamics, from the acoustic guitar of the first half to the jazz influenced second half. I am a big fan of XTC and I think that Andrew did a great job with this one. His voice and musicality give new life to this piece, reminding people of the old days and incorporating something uniquely his own. Andrew is a gifted artist and I look forward to seeing what he will create in the coming months.
