Kevin Hearn & Hugh Marsh - Dreaming Of The 80s (2023) [Hi-Res]

Performing cover songs in concert led Kevin Hearn to realize just how finely-crafted some of the well-loved hits of the 80s are.

In early 2020 Kevin and Hugh Marsh began jamming these old favorites and began recording them. Through the Pandemic Bubble, they kept on exploring 80's tunes and eventually had a full album, recorded and engineered by Kenny Luong. Stripped down and played acoustically, the songs shine both as great songs and as nostalgic reminders of a time when we all had fewer things to hold us down. 'Dreaming of the '80s' finds keyboardist/vocalist Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies, Lou Reed, Rheostatics) and violinist Hugh Marsh (Bruce Cockburn, Doug Riley, Rheostatics) reimagining a diverse collection of the decade's classics and deep cuts in a uniquely atmospheric and ethereal sonic environment. Selections from Tom Petty, Kraftwerk, Kate Bush, Joy Division, Billy Idol, Bob Marley, and more benefit from a subdued and aptly dream-like treatment that keeps their respective hooks and charms intact. Some even adopt a added dimension thanks to an array of special guests including esteemed opera singer Michael Colvin, new wave icon Carole Pope, Hearn's fellow Lou Reed accompanist Fernando Saunders, and Sun Ra Arkestra trumpeter Michael Ray.