Warpaint released a cover of “Paralysed”, a song that opens Solid Gold (1981), the second album by the English band Gang of Four. This re-recording by the American band is part of a tribute album entitled The Problem of Leisure: A Celebration of Andy Gill and Gang of Four, which will be released on May 14.
This tribute album was organized by Catherine Mayer, widow of Andy Gill. She justified Warpaint's participation in this project:
Andy loved the way Warpaint created not only songs but atmospheres, without sacrificing drive and danceability. The marriage of their unique sound with "Paralysed", on the face of it one of the least likely dance tracks ever, is spectacular. The lyrics are also incredibly resonant at this moment in time where so many people feel helpless in the face of regressive populism and disfiguring inequalities.
Check out Warpaint's version for “Paralysed”:
This cover was produced by bassist Jenny Lee Lindberg, who in reference to the phrase “The change will do you good” from the lyrics of the song “Damaged Goods”, wrote:
Best piece of advice that pretty much changed my life. Not to mention Dave Allen’s bass playing. Also changed me forever. Made me wanna play bass.
She added:
It was cool to get inside of "Paralysed", and for Gang of Four to give us freedom to freak out in our way...it was a beautiful opportunity and we're SOOO excited, it's an honour actually, to be a part of Andy’s tribute.
Andy Gill passed away on February 1, 2020 at the age of 64.
In addition to Warpaint, The Problem of Leisure: A Celebration of Andy Gill and Gang of Four features collaborations by Tom Morello, Flea, John Frusciante, La Roux, IDLES, Helmet, Gary Numan, The Dandy Warhols, among others.
