“Where is My Mind?” by the Pixies is a perfect song. Fact, not opinion. The seventh track on the band’s iconic 1988 album Surfer Rosa still rocks as hard as ever even after 30 years. But it’s not just timeless. It also transcends instruments. You can play it on literally anything and it will still sound amazing. But it turns out it’s especially great on a harp, as this French musician with a fondness for performing rock song covers proved with this gorgeous rendition.
French harpist and singer Maël Isaac (who we first heard about at Laughing Squid) has turned one of music’s most elegant instruments into an unlikely tool for performing rock ‘n roll. His beautiful “Where is My Mind?” cover, which really highlights the powerful opening notes that immediately draw you in, is just one of his many harp renditions.
Maël Isaac
The combination of the harp’s deep, angelic sound, combined with his vocals and some of the best songs ever written create something that sounds both classical and modern. Above all, they create something completely alluring. Like with a cover of David Bowie’s “Starman.”
Even songs that you might not think would translate well to the harp work in unexpected ways. His cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” might not be as heavy, but it’s still powerful.
Also, I don’t care if you “learned” how to play Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” on your friend’s guitar. You definitely would not be able to play it on the harp. Which is too bad. This version has a fantastic groovy quality to it.
Make sure to check out Isaac’s YouTube channel for more covers. They sound incredible, and you really don’t know what you will get from song to song. Like how his version of Joy Division’s classic “ Love Will Tear Us Apart” feels like a Medieval love song.
Just like “Where is My Mind?” perfect songs always sound good. No matter the year or the instrument.
Featured Image: Maël Isaac