BJ Smith - Dedications to the Greats Four: 'Don't Be Cruel' featuring Joe Harvey-Whyte | Balearic, Cosmic, Americana 12" EP | NuNorthern Soul
Cat No: NUNSDTTG004V
Genre: Balearic, Cosmic, Americana, Downtempo
Format: 12 Inch Vinyl EP
Vinyl Colour: Black
Description:
Long-standing contributor to NuNorthern Soul, BJ Smith is a versatile singer-songwriter and composer whose musical talents span solo projects, guitar work with James Baron’s acclaimed JIM (of Crazy P), collaborations with acts like Smith & Mudd, Bison, White Elephant, and composing for television. Due to his busy schedule, solo releases have been rare lately, with his most recent NuNorthern Soul outing - a stripped-back version of his Big Sur single - dropping late 2023.
Now, Smith returns with a highly anticipated instalment in his celebrated “Dedications to the Greats” series, where he reimagines classic songs by other artists. Since launching the series in 2013 with stunning covers of tracks by Mos Def and The Pharcyde, Smith has also covered songs by Outkast, Prefab Sprout, and Soul II Soul, showcasing his soulful reinterpretations.
This fourth volume marks Smith’s first release in five years and features a creative “cover of a cover”: a revolutionary, imaginative take on Billy Swan’s ‘Don’t Be Cruel’, famously associated with Elvis Presley. The track’s enduring legacy brought Smith together with the EP’s prominent guest artist, Joe Harvey-Whyte, whose emotive pedal steel adds a bittersweet, soulful layer to the recordings.
Smith offers three contrasting renditions:
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Mother Earth Version: A sprawling 14-minute epic blending effects-laden pedal steel, sun-kissed acoustic guitars, and Smith’s soulful vocals. This version features long electric guitar solos, slow-building percussion, and atmospheric organ, creating a mesmerising, away-from-the-ordinary listening experience.
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Earth Heart Version: Available in full vocal and instrumental formats, this version emphasises raw emotion with gentle flute motifs by Tamar Osborn, lush guitar layers, and Harvey-Whyte’s pedal steel. Smith’s heartfelt vocal performance delivers a deep, immersive emotional journey.
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Root Heart Version: A Balearic-meets-Americana take, built around shuffling drums, warm bass, extended pedal steel, and Smith’s sunny acoustic guitar. Perfect for sunset playlists, this track radiates love, warmth, and a relaxed vibe.
Why choose this EP?
BJ Smith’s “Dedications to the Greats” series showcases his talent for transforming beloved classics into fresh, atmospheric soundscapes. This EP’s rich textures, emotive performances, and genre-blending arrangements make it a must-have for Balearic, cosmic, and Americana music fans, as well as collectors seeking unique reinterpretations.
Tracklist:
- A1 - Mother Earth Version
- B1 - Earth Heart Version (feat. Tamar Osborn on Flute)
- B2 - Root Heart Version
DJ & Listener Feedback:
- “Oh yes!!!” — IDJUT BOYS
- “This is lovely, especially the ‘Earth Heart’ version.” — Felix Dickinson / Cynic
- “Long-time fan, beautiful stuff.” — Harri Harrigan / Sub Club
- “Fantastic!” — Sean Johnston / A Love From Outer Space
- “Outstanding record!” — Lex (Athens)
- “Sunset vibes, very lovely.” — A Man Called Adam / Sally Rogers
- “So beautiful.” — Leo Mas
- “Liking this a lot.” — Phil Mison
- “Tremendous stuff.” — Steve Cobby / Fila Brazillia
- “Atmospheric, warm, and spacious. Thank you.” — Zeynep Erbay / Compost
- “Absolutely glorious release. Love it!” — Max Essa
Why buy this record?
Add this beautifully crafted EP to your collection for its lush, atmospheric reinterpretations of timeless songs. Perfect for Balearic DJs, cosmic explorers, and fans of soulful Americana, BJ Smith’s latest release is a captivating journey through genre-blending soundscapes and emotive storytelling.
Get your copy today and experience the magic of BJ Smith’s “Dedications to the Greats” series!
![BJ Smith - Dedications to the Greats Four - 'Don't Be Cruel' feat. Joe Harvey-Whyte [12 Inch Vinyl, NuNorthern Soul, Front Cover]](http://www.nothingventuredvinyl.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/BJ_Smith_-_Dedications_to_the_Greats_Four_-_Don_t_Be_Cruel_feat._Joe_Harvey-Whyte_12_Inch_Vinyl_NuNorthern_Soul_Front_Cover.jpg?v=1761059413&width=1946)
![BJ Smith - Dedications to the Greats Four - 'Don't Be Cruel' feat. Joe Harvey-Whyte [12 Inch Vinyl, NuNorthern Soul, Side A]](http://www.nothingventuredvinyl.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/BJ_Smith_-_Dedications_to_the_Greats_Four_-_Don_t_Be_Cruel_feat._Joe_Harvey-Whyte_12_Inch_Vinyl_NuNorthern_Soul_Side_A.jpg?v=1761059426&width=1946)
![BJ Smith - Dedications to the Greats Four - 'Don't Be Cruel' feat. Joe Harvey-Whyte [12 Inch Vinyl, NuNorthern Soul, Side AA]](http://www.nothingventuredvinyl.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/BJ_Smith_-_Dedications_to_the_Greats_Four_-_Don_t_Be_Cruel_feat._Joe_Harvey-Whyte_12_Inch_Vinyl_NuNorthern_Soul_Side_AA.jpg?v=1761059438&width=1946)
![BJ Smith - Dedications to the Greats Four - 'Don't Be Cruel' feat. Joe Harvey-Whyte [12 Inch Vinyl, NuNorthern Soul, Front Cover]](http://www.nothingventuredvinyl.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/BJ_Smith_-_Dedications_to_the_Greats_Four_-_Don_t_Be_Cruel_feat._Joe_Harvey-Whyte_12_Inch_Vinyl_NuNorthern_Soul_Front_Cover.jpg?v=1761059413&width=1445)
![BJ Smith - Dedications to the Greats Four - 'Don't Be Cruel' feat. Joe Harvey-Whyte [12 Inch Vinyl, NuNorthern Soul, Side A]](http://www.nothingventuredvinyl.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/BJ_Smith_-_Dedications_to_the_Greats_Four_-_Don_t_Be_Cruel_feat._Joe_Harvey-Whyte_12_Inch_Vinyl_NuNorthern_Soul_Side_A.jpg?v=1761059426&width=1445)
![BJ Smith - Dedications to the Greats Four - 'Don't Be Cruel' feat. Joe Harvey-Whyte [12 Inch Vinyl, NuNorthern Soul, Side AA]](http://www.nothingventuredvinyl.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/BJ_Smith_-_Dedications_to_the_Greats_Four_-_Don_t_Be_Cruel_feat._Joe_Harvey-Whyte_12_Inch_Vinyl_NuNorthern_Soul_Side_AA.jpg?v=1761059438&width=1445)