The Art of Revival: Ducks Ltd. and the Timelessness of 'Easy Come, Easy Go'
There’s something profoundly moving about artists breathing new life into forgotten gems. It’s not just about covering a song—it’s about resurrecting a piece of history, reinterpreting it through a modern lens, and reminding us why it mattered in the first place. This is exactly what Toronto’s Ducks Ltd. and Real Estate’s Martin Courtney have done with their cover of Grant McLennan’s Easy Come, Easy Go. But what makes this collaboration particularly fascinating is how it transcends the typical ‘tribute’ narrative. It’s a conversation between generations, a blending of styles, and a testament to the enduring power of jangle-pop.
Why This Song, Why Now?
Grant McLennan’s Easy Come, Easy Go is a track that, in my opinion, never got the recognition it deserved. Released in 1991 on McLennan’s solo debut Watershed, it’s a song that feels both intimate and universal. Ducks Ltd.’s Tom McGreevy describes it as a masterpiece of figurative language, and I couldn’t agree more. What many people don’t realize is that McLennan had a knack for making the personal feel timeless. His lyrics are like snapshots of human emotion, captured in a way that feels both specific and relatable.
Personally, I think this cover comes at a perfect moment. In an era where music often feels disposable, Ducks Ltd. and Courtney are reminding us of the value of craftsmanship. Their version isn’t just a replication—it’s a reimagining. They’ve taken McLennan’s raw, heartfelt original and infused it with their signature shimmery, spangly sound. It’s a love letter to the past, but it’s also a statement about the present.
The Magic of Collaboration
One thing that immediately stands out is the chemistry between Ducks Ltd. and Martin Courtney. This isn’t just a collaboration; it’s a meeting of minds. Both acts are deeply rooted in the jangle-pop tradition, but they bring their own unique flavors to the table. Ducks Ltd.’s recent work, including their 2024 album Harm’s Way, has been a masterclass in blending nostalgia with innovation. Courtney, on the other hand, has been a stalwart of the genre for years, his work with Real Estate a testament to the enduring appeal of this sound.
What this really suggests is that music, at its best, is a dialogue. When McGreevy says that working with Courtney was ‘super interesting’ because of their shared instincts but different perspectives, he’s tapping into something profound. It’s a reminder that even within a niche genre, there’s room for growth, experimentation, and surprise.
The Haunted Studio and the One-Day Wonder
A detail that I find especially interesting is the setting for this collaboration: Courtney’s ‘extremely haunted’ studio in Beacon, NY. There’s something poetic about recording a song like Easy Come, Easy Go in a space that feels steeped in history. It’s as if the ghosts of musical past were watching over them, lending their blessings to the track.
The fact that they completed the entire recording in one day is also worth noting. In an age where albums can take years to produce, there’s something refreshing about this kind of spontaneity. It’s a throwback to a time when artists would gather in a room, play together, and capture the magic of the moment. This raises a deeper question: have we lost something in our pursuit of perfection?
The Broader Implications
If you take a step back and think about it, this cover is more than just a song—it’s a statement about the state of indie music today. Ducks Ltd. and Courtney are part of a wave of artists who are reviving and reinterpreting the sounds of the past. But they’re not just nostalgia merchants. They’re innovators, pushing the boundaries of what jangle-pop can be.
What this really suggests is that genres are not static. They evolve, adapt, and find new life in the hands of artists who care deeply about them. It’s a reminder that music is a living, breathing thing—and that’s something worth celebrating.
Final Thoughts
As I listen to Ducks Ltd. and Martin Courtney’s version of Easy Come, Easy Go, I’m struck by how effortlessly they’ve captured the essence of the original while making it their own. It’s a delicate balance, but they’ve pulled it off with grace.
From my perspective, this cover is more than just a tribute—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder to seek out the hidden gems, to appreciate the craftsmanship of artists past and present, and to embrace the collaborative spirit that makes music so special.
So, here’s my challenge to you: go listen to the original, then listen to the cover. Think about what’s been preserved, what’s been changed, and what it all means. Because in the end, that’s what great music does—it makes you think, feel, and connect. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
Easy Come, Easy Go is out now on Carpark, and Ducks Ltd.’s tour with Yumi Zouma kicks off soon. Don’t miss it.
Tour Dates:
- 4/30 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat *
- 5/01 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church *
- 5/02 - Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw *
- 5/04 - Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair *
- 5/06 - Toronto, ON @ Lee's Palace *
- 5/08 - Chicago, IL @ Outset *
- 5/12 - Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl *
- 5/13 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos *
- 5/14 - Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater *
- 5/16 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent *
- 5/19 - Los Angeles, CA @ Pacific Electric *
- 5/20 - San Diego, CA @ Belly Up Tavern *
with Yumi Zouma
