Like most of us, Roberto Carlos Lange aka Helado Negro is looking ahead to the imminent US Presidential Election with no shortage of hope and trepidation. With this on his mind, he enlisted his friend Jenn Wasner (of Wye Oak and Flock of Dimes) to help him cover Neil Young’s Comes A Time cut “Lotta Love”. He says:
“I was captivated by the song’s sincerity and wondered how to make a version that compelled you to step closer to the words. I wanted it to be hymnal and spiritual outside of religion. I interpreted the theme of the song to be about protection. How do we protect each other? Creating this version helped me find some sonic respite and hopefully it does the same for others.”
Helado Negro has no problem drawing us in nearer to the words, as he desires, since his warm and friendly voice is naturally alluring. Add to this some intelligently subtle drums, flutters of piano, and Jenn Wasner’s angelic backing vocals, and this version of “Lotta Love” conjures a peaceful world of promise. In this bubble, the sentiment of “it’s gonna take a lot of love to change the way things are” is not scoffed or laughed at, but understood as a true necessity.
This version also features collaborative contributions in the form of backing vocals by Devendra Banhart and Adron and piano by Trey Pollard. You can hear it via them embed below or on your preferred streaming platform.
Helado Negro’s “Lotta Love” is his first release on 4AD – hopefully a sign that a new album announcement is not far off. For now you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
You can find Flock of Dimes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
