"Build A Levee" by Natalie Merchant is the second single from her third studio album, "Motherland" (2001). The single was issued to radio in late 2001 and features backing vocals from Gospel legend Mavis Staples (daughter of Pops Staples). Merchant recorded two songs with Staples during the "Motherland" sessions, "Saint Judas" and "Build A Levee".
Like many rock/alternative singers who stem from the '80s and '90s, the single did receive a "re-working" for airplay release in hopes to gain radio airplay. Unfortunately, due to lack of promotion and the events within the US at the time (9/11 terrorist attacks), Elektra Records did not promote "Build A Levee" and a music video was never issued, thus hindering popularity. However, some local college radio stations did pick up the single for airplay.
The promotional single contains an amended cut of the album version as well as a re-recorded "remix" version (mixed by George Cowan), containing new vocals and instrumental arrangements. Neither of these versions has ever been released commercially by Elektra or Merchant.
DL: http://gestyy.com/etl3xk
ReplyDelete