Good Morning!
Today we’re listening to “What A Fool Believes” by Self
Making a record using only toy instruments seems like a recipe for being relegated to “novelty record” purgatory. That goes double if you dare to cover a classic like the Doobie Brothers’ “What A Fool Believes.”
But that’s just what Self did for their 4th release, 2000’s “Gizmodgery.” For a record made with kid’s toy instruments, it’s a serious effort, and the group does right by the kings of yacht rock.
The record itself made several critics’ Best Of lists for the year, with Kansas City’s The Pitch describing Gizmodgery as “brilliantly conceived” and the track as being covered with disarming reverence.
More:
Appearing late in the album, Self's cover of the Doobie Brothers' "What a Fool Believes" shoots through the speakers like a sugar rush to your head. Already an absolute gem of a tune, Mahaffey's Fisher Price makeover focuses on the pop-crusted melodies found in the original version's keyboard-heavy arrangement.
Go deeper here.
Listen:
“What A Fool Believes” by Self| Gizmodgery, 2000
Click the record to listen on your platform of choice.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this track!
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
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Well, THAT was a diversion! How fun! Never heard of 'em before! Wonder what McDonald's reaction has been/would be/might be! They almost sound like Devo offspring, but far less electronically quirky. Self just "sticks to the script"---wonder how they'd sound if they focused on similarly time-worn covers...can we imagine "Rhiannon," "We Built This City," a Prince song or two, or "Jessie's Girl"? I know I'm intrigued, but I'm guessing they have no interest in being a group of Weird Als (assuming they're still around/active). Thanks, Kevin---a refreshing early-morning slap in the face not involving caffeine!☕🎶🎹😁👍
And now for something completely different... nice find! I have to say as a massive Doobiehead I was hesitant going into it, but the children's instruments really work for the timeless melody. Miss the Michael McDonald of it all yet it's a refreshing update! Great cover to boot. Thanks for sharing!