Hear BADBADNOTGOOD and Jonah Yano Cover a Majestics Soul Rarity

It's the latest entry in Light in the Attic's cover singles series

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Dec 6, 2019

Earlier this year, BADBADNOTGOOD teamed up with Toronto-via-Japan vocalist Jonah Yano on the title track of his debut EP Nervous, and the collaborators have come together once more to cover a soul rarity for Light in the Attic.

For the latest entry in the label's ongoing cover series, Yano and the trio have offered up their reinterpretation of "Key to Love (Is Understanding)," originally recorded in 1982 by Milwaukee funk/soul outfit Majestics.

You can hear both versions in the players below.

While the single received its only reissue last year, the original release is highly sought after by vinyl heads and soul enthusiasts, fetching prices of over $300 CAD on resale sites such as Discogs.

"As lovers of old soul, funk and rare recordings, 'Key to Love' has always been a song that has had an impact on our heart and ears," BADBADNOTGOOD said in a statement. "We hope our version relays how special this song is and gives it some new listeners and a second life […] It's an incredibly beautiful song that deserves to be heard, and we hope to play a small part in that."

Donald Cooper of Majestics called the cover "a pleasant surprise," adding, "They did a good job and it was well done with their own slight personal twist... [it's] an honour to be recognized."

BADBADNOTGOOD and Yano's cover will receive a 7-inch release backed by Majestics' original version. The single is now available for pre-order, and it will arrive physical on February 21.

Recently, longtime BADBADNOTGOOD keyboardist and co-founder Matthew Tavares confirmed his departure from the group this past October.


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