Michelle Branch is sorta nervy taking on a Stones classic in their anniversary year. It's been awhile since we have heard from this pop tart who had a couple hits. What a grand gesture to offer up your own version of "Play With Fire".
Where the original had an almost menacing vibe, Branch twangs it up and does that silly fake accent with an almost country lilt. I have heard her sing other songs, this accent is not legit but I suppose Mick would turn his Brit to Southern at times as well.
"Play With Fire" is a male tune. It should be delivered by a man as lyrically it would make more sense. What I cannot dismiss is that Branch takes this song and it actually works. Leaving me somewhat uncomfortable. Its not brilliant by any means and it does not in any way live up to the original but it is a respectable.
The guitar sounds fabulously hollow and the the drum is just a smidgen faster, and that's a positive. I would have to say that vocally its very pretty and that's aside from that idiotic mispronunciation. Its FIRE not FA-r. God I hate that.
Anyway, Branch is a grown up now and apparently "Everywhere", is far away. The song that brought her fame (and had Stevie Nicks looking for her helium tank) She had a girl power tune (straight from Avril?) and now at 29 she's comfortable enough to take on Jagger. Hmm…what else does she got?