Ben Vaughn’s New EP, ‘Interpretations,’ is All Deep-Cut Covers

Written By Mike Greenblatt

PHOTO: Ben Vaughn by Kevin Jarvis

The five covers of Camden native Ben Vaughn, on his new Interpretations EP, add up to a curious excursion. Vaughn—musician/performer/producer/composer/radio host—always had an ear. Case-in-Point:  when he picked an Alex Chilton deep cut, “In The Street,” for That ‘70s Show, eyebrows might’ve been raised but now it’s recognized internationally as the TV show’s beloved theme song.

His first all-covers album—1993’s Mono USA—wasn’t even stereo.  On Interpretations, he goes deep. Real deep. 1) Labi Siffre, 78, is a British singer-songwriter-poet-activist whose 1972 “Crying Laughing Loving Lying” failed to chart. 2) Even the staunchest of Herman’s Hermits fans might not have heard their 1966 “My Reservation’s Been Confirmed.” 3) R. Dean Taylor [1939-2022] was a Canadian who worked for Motown as a composer/producer in the ‘60s and ‘70s. His 1968 “Gotta See Jane” is a forgotten gem. 4) Norman Greenbaum, 80, is most known for his 1969 “Spirit In The Sky” but his 1971 “Hook And Ladder” is almost as catchy. 5) “I Remember” is a 1979 Suicide song.

Go Figure.

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Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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