Fusilier Covers Martha and The Vandellas

Photo by Kevin Alexander

The term "re-imagining" gets used an awful lot, but it truly fits with Fusilier's version of Martha and The Vandella's Motown classic "Dancing in the Street." It's been covered a plethora of times, from The Mamas and The Papas and the David Bowie & Mick Jagger version, but never quite like this. Fusilier turns the 60's classic into a dark modern, minimalist R&B song with some drum and bass/apocalyptic vibes perfect for the world today. According to the press release, "Fusilier’s version turns the song into a queer indie punk fever dream coincidentally released at the kick off of Pride Month."

Despite the song being released at the start of Pride Month, Fusilier is critical of the modern celebration: 

“Pride is so boring. A protest-cum-celebration of marginalized people has become a mirror for the existing hierarchies of society. The people who now need uplift and recognition are the people who ‘Gay’ movements hide. They’re women, they’re queer, they’re trans and non-binary, they’re poor, they’re HIV positive, they’re Black. They’re the ones who aren’t going to bank with Santander because they’re issuing debit cards decorated with rainbows. We should get back to our riotous roots.”

You can watch the video for Fusilier's take on "Dancing in the Street" below. Upstream, the new EP from Fusilier, is available now via Bandcamp. For more on Fusilier, check out the artist's Facebook and Twitter.