You Have to Hear The Wailin’ Jennys “Wildflowers” Cover

The Wailin' Jennys

Do you guys know The Wailin’ Jennys? Once upon a time I fell madly in love with their recording of “The Parting Glass,” and ever since then this Canadian singer-songwriter trio has had my heart. I won’t lie, I can get a little into these things. I may have melted away an afternoon a couple years back buying the sheet music for their arrangement of that song, learning and recording all three parts and looping them because I’m not a geek of any kind. (Don’t worry, I sheepishly deleted those tracks long ago.)

You’d think that would be the pinnacle of fandom. And it was, for me. Until yesterday. 

That’s when I heard The Wailin’ Jennys’ cover of Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers,” from their forthcoming album Fifteen. People say the album is named for the band’s 15 years together — but I’m pretty sure it’s because I’ve been listening to this song on repeat in multiples of 15 for the past 36 hours. Don’t be confused if tomorrow the album is suddenly called Infinity.

The album comes out in October and consists of some well-worn and some brand-new covers. And the song…well. It’s exquisite. Technical perfection in service of tenderness. Not to be missed. Here you go.