The Toronto-based artist Beverly Glenn-Copeland was making emotive electronic music way back in the '80s, and he has experienced a major revival in recent years. Two years ago, Glenn-Copeland released The Ones Ahead, his first album in 20 years. Last year, Glenn-Copeland revealed that he has been diagnosed with dementia. He hasn't let that slow him down. Since we learned about his diagnosis, Glenn-Copeland has collaborated with Sam Smith, and his kids'-TV pilot is now streaming on the Criterion Channel. Next week, Glenn-Copeland intends to release a new album. Today, he shares two new covers of Marvin Gaye classics.
Marvin Gaye recorded his 1971 album What's Going On as a chronicle of a moment of great societal upheaval, and it's one of the greatest albums ever made. Today, Beverly Glenn-Copeland covers two songs from that LP, the title track and "Heal The Children." In the originals, Glenn-Copeland hears echoes of present-day struggles for Black and trans rights, and those echoes come through clearly in his gorgeous, misty covers. In a press release, Glenn-Copeland says: