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MORE INFO: “When I was young, making music in the ‘60s, I had this strange thought that one day I would be this old woman, and young people would come find me and tell me that my music meant something to them.” – Madelynn Von Ritz aka Lynn Castle This new recording features a breathtakingly beautiful collaboration between the legendary Vashti Bunyan and Los Angeles-based artist Devendra Banhart, with production from Todd Dahlhoff. Bunyan remains a giant hero to so many, including Banhart, starting with her debut album Just Another Diamond Day (1970) to her recent memoir Wayward: Just Another Life to Live, while Banhart has just released his acclaimed eleventh album, Flying Wig. Here, Bunyan and Banhart cover the song “How Could You Let Me Go,“ written by Madelynn Von Ritz aka Lynn Castle. In the 1960s, Lynn became the first lady barber in Los Angeles. By day, she was styling The Monkees, Sonny & Cher, and the Byrds; by night, she was writing songs. Despite possessing a crippling insecurity, her songs managed to bend the ears of Jack Nitzsche and Lee Hazlewood, both of whom would record the singer-songwriter. Though commercial success may have remained elusive, sometimes strange premonitions are realized. Case in point: this cover. Similar to Bunyan, Castle herself has experienced later–in–life recognition decades after starting her recording career. Indeed, it’s an appropriately fitting homage to both the original song and its writer. Bunyan & Banhart's 2023 cover version is taken from the forthcoming compilation Light in the Attic & Friends. For more than 20 years, acclaimed reissue label Light in the Attic has shined a spotlight on some of music’s most unique — and often forgotten — voices. Light in the Attic & Friends features 20 contemporary acts paying homage to their favorite LITA artists and songs, and will be available as a limited-edition Double LP set, being released exclusively for Record Store Day’s annual Black Friday event, taking place on November 24th at participating independent retailers. In celebration of the upcoming release, enjoy the digital single “How Could You Let Me Go“ from Vashti Bunyan and Devendra Banhart.
