We find GuruGanesha, at 70, at a crossroads in his life; the walls of the past crumbling, times changing, and the young man’s dreams dissolving into a serene acceptance of the here and now. “Landslide”, the timeless song by Stevie Nicks, has surely become part of what makes up some part of the hearts of each person who knows it well. The lyrics speak to the beautiful inevitability of living— that we all must change, let go of the past, grow older, and face the heart-aches that flesh is heir to. Much like Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Hurt”, this arrangement is stripped to guitars and voice, allowing GuruGanesha’s sincerity to shine as he reflects on the powerful landslides in his life.
You have been releasing original music for years. Why did you choose to do a cover this time?
GuruGanesha: There have been so many incredible songs written over the years. I thought it would be both fun and a great musical challenge to pick one that I love, one that truly resonates for me in this particular time and space, and do it justice but in my own unique way.
Which version of Landslide do you love the most?
GuruGanesha: I love the original version written by Stevie Nicks and recorded by her band Fleetwood Mac way back in 1974, this version really speaks to me. The Chicks also recorded a really nice version of it.
Landslide has well over 100 recorded covers. It’s clear that the music and lyrics of this song speak to many people deeply. What does it mean to you?
GuruGanesha: When Stevie wrote it, her Landslide at the time was the collapse of an important love relationship…the Landslide for me refers to the upheaval that has occurred in my spiritual community over the last 18 months. It literally has felt like the ground has been crumbling beneath my feet…”Well I’ve been afraid of changin’ cause I built my life around you!”
What makes this version special for the audience?
GuruGanesha: It’s sung by someone (me) who’s been on the planet 70 years and experienced multiple Landslides over those years. I believe that the pain, heartache, sadness, and wisdom gained from those landslides comes through big time in the tonality of my gravelly 70 year old voice.
It’s amazing how a song can be transformed in your own style. What would you like the audience to experience with this version?
GuruGanesha: I would like them to experience the song in their own unique way and I would love to hear how the song ‘lands’ for them.
Are you planning to do more covers in the near future?
GuruGanesha: I would love to do more covers in the near future…this was a wonderful experience for me!! I love all good music whether I write it or someone else writes it.
What is your dream cover song?
GuruGanesha: Althea by the Grateful Dead. It’s not so much the lyrics in this song that do it for me but the rhythm and the vibe of the song express perfectly the way my own heart pumps blood through my body…..the syncopation of Jerry’s guitar in this song represents my musical DNA! It was always my dream to play this song with Jerry Garcia on stage one day. That’s no longer possible due to his passing but doing a cover of Althea would be the next best thing!
Listen to Landslide now.