Sixpence None the Richer recorded its own reimagined take on Neil Young’s classic 1972 song “The Needle and the Damage Done” for the latest charity compilation created to raise funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. Now, the veteran alternative-rock band’s cover of the tune has been made available as a digital track from the album, titled Sweet Relief – We Can Help.
Videos by American Songwriter
The 18-track compilation features various artists performing cover tunes with themes that reflect Sweet Relief’s mission of providing services and financial assistance to in-need professional musicians and other members of the music industry. Veteran producer Sheldon Gomberg produced Sweet Relief – We Can Help.
Young wrote “The Needle and the Damage Done” about founding Crazy Horse singer/guitarist Danny Whitten, whose issues with heroin addiction led to his dismissal from the band. Neil’s original version, which featured him playing the song live on acoustic guitar, appeared on his classic 1972 album Harvest. Whitten died of a drug overdose later that same year.
Sixpence None the Richer’s cover of “The Needle and the Damage Done” offers a sparse, atmospheric take on the tune.
Sixpence None the Richer Members Comments on the Project
“This is such a powerful song,” said Sixpence None the Richer frontwoman Leigh Nash in a statement. “Addiction plagues so many people making it very easy to put our hearts into a sadly, but truly timeless song. We are so happy to be a part of this beautiful record.”
Added Sixpence guitarist Matt Slocum, “I’ve loved all the Sweet Relief records that have come out over the years, as well as seeing the help that has been provided for fellow musicians through the money raised from these beautiful projects. … Working with Sheldon on an iconic Neil Young song was a true honor.”
More About the Sweet Relief – We Can Help Compilation
Other artists who contributed songs to the Sweet Relief – We Can Help compilation include Michael Penn and Aimee Mann, Richard Thompson, Ben Harper and Peter Case, Lucinda Williams, and Victoria Williams.
“The Needle and the Damage Done” was the third song made available as a digital track from the album.
The first was Penn and Mann’s duet version of “Hallelujah! I’m a Bum,” a song first recorded by Harry McClintock in 1928. The second was a cover of the 1974 Billy Swan hit “I Can Help” by Peter Holsapple, a founding member of the power-pop group The dB’s.
Sixpence None the Richer’s 2025 Tour Plans
Sixpence None the Richer recently launched a Latin American tour. The trek is plotted out through a June 22 performance in Mexico City.
The band then will play a few U.S. headlining shows in early-to-mid July before signing on as a support act for a lengthy stateside summer trek with Toad the Wet Sprocket. That outing runs from a July 17 concert in San Diego through an August 23 gig in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Sixpence also has shows scheduled for August 25 in Asheville, North Carolina, and August 27 Louisville, Kentucky.
Check out all of the group’s confirmed concerts at SixpenceNonetheRicher.com.
Sweet Relief – We Can Help! Track List:
- “Hallelujah! I’m a Bum” – Michael Penn & Aimee Mann
- “Please Let Me Get What I Want” – Laura Viers
- “Help Me” – Peter Case
- “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today” – Angela McCluskey & Paul Cantelon
- “The Object of My Affection” – Watkins Family Hour
- “I Can Help” – Peter Holsapple
- “Humpy Back Man” – Richard Thompson
- “Help” – Ben Harper & Peter Case
- “Always Lift Him Up” – Willie Watson
- “Somebody Loan Me a Dime” – Lucinda Williams
- “That’s How I Got to Memphis” – Dennis Witcher
- “The Needle and the Damage Done” – Sixpence None the Richer
- “A Heart Needs a Home” – Haroula Rose
- “Sunny Side of the Street” – Victoria Williams
- “Paper Moon” – Chris Pierce
- “Brother Can You Spare a Dime” – Michael Penn
- “Sixteen Tons” – Jonah Tolchin
- “While My Heart Keeps Beating Time” – Blake Mills
(Photo by Ben Pearson)
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