By Rod Brakes
Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar and Steve Postell’s rendition of the Sparks song is the first single from the band's forthcoming full-length album
(Image credit: Jerry Lofaro)
The Immediate Family have unveiled their latest single – a cover of Sparks’ "The Toughest Girl in Town" (from the art rockers’ 1988 studio album Interior Design (opens in new tab).)
Following up their recent EP Live from Telefunken Soundstage (opens in new tab), "The Toughest Girl in Town" is the first single from the band’s new album.
Titled Skin in the Game, the Immediate Family’s forthcoming LP is slated for release in early 2023.
With the triple-guitar mastery of Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel and Steve Postell anchored by a swinging rhythm section comprising drummer Russ Kunkel and bassist Leland Sklar, "The Toughest Girl in Town" showcases the veteran ensemble at their finest.
Injected with a shot of rock ‘n’ roll prowess, 'The Toughest Girl in Town' is transformed from eccentric synth-pop gem to ax-centric masterpiece
While it may not be the most obvious cover for a guitar-wielding five-piece, the Immediate Family make the classic Sparks number their own.
Honoring the brilliance of the original composition, this infectious melody is underpinned by a dynamic arrangement of overdriven guitars and a rock-steady rhythm.
Injected with a shot of rock ‘n’ roll prowess, “The Toughest Girl in Town” is transformed from eccentric synth-pop gem to ax-centric masterpiece.
(Image credit: Quarto Valley Records)
"I've always loved Sparks since their first album,” said Kortchmar “Their song ‘Toughest Girl in Town’ stuck with us, and Waddy came up with a way to make it work. We reworked it to be a guitar-centered arrangement… We love it."
“I was never aware that the band Sparks had over 300 songs,” commented Wachtel. “Danny and I had both seen their documentary on Netflix and then found this incredible collection of songs. I came across "The Toughest Girl in Town," and it instantly sounded like a record we needed to make.
I came across "The Toughest Girl in Town," and it instantly sounded like a record we needed to make
Waddy Wachtel
“I played it for Danny first, he totally agreed, as did the whole band. We had to record it! Also, it was perfect for Steve Postell's tenor voice, so we sketched out an arrangement using lots and lots of guitars, and before long, we had our version ready and recorded.
“We are so proud of how it came out.”
You can take a listen to the Immediate Family’s new single "The Toughest Girl in Town" here...
The Immediate Family (Image credit: Rob Shanahan)
The award-winning documentary Immediate Family, directed by Denny Tedesco (The Wrecking Crew), was featured in select film festivals, including Woodstock, Nashville and Tallgrass.
The film will next be shown at the DOC NYC Film Festival on November 15 and 16 (more screenings are to be announced.)
The film tracks the rise and collaborations of this group of legendary studio musicians through the 1970s and onward, spotlighting their esteemed partnerships and their indelible mark that helped define the sound of a generation.
You can catch the Immediate Family on tour soon. Dates are as follows:
11/12: Santa Clarita, CA @ The Canyon
11/18: Agoura Hills, CA @ The Canyon Club
11/19: Montclair, CA @ The Canyon
11/20: Santa Barbara, CA @ The Lobero Theater
12/3: Aspen, CO @ Wheeler Opera House
12/8: San Juan Capistrano, CA @ The Coach House
1/13/23: Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Center for the Performing Arts
1/14/23: Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse
1/15/23: New York, NY @ Iridium
