Neil Nathan’s Reinterpretation Of Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” Gets Dia De Los Muertos Video Treatment

Just in time for Halloween and The Day of the Dead, Neil Nathan debuts the video for “Darling Friend,” his lap steel infused re-interpretation of Ludwig Von Beethoven's "Fur Elise." In it, Nathan, bedecked in a Beethoven meets T Rex composer jacket serenades the coffin of his lost love while surrounded by a twirling, ghoulish dance troupe. “Darling Friend” is directed by Vaj Potenza (My Brightest Diamond's "Freak Out Gold Chains Remix") and choreographed by Suzanne Rydz. Vaj also co- directed two of Nathan's latest videos, "California Run" and "When The Rain Falls." The song is the second single off Neil's covers EP, Songsmiths, which was produced by long time steel collaborator Mike 'Slo-Mo' Brenner (Slo-Mo, Marah, Jason Molina).

Neil Nathan is no stranger to making music videos. His latest, “Highways,” featuring an animated version of himself, was directed by Postage, Inc. “California Run” co-stars his former roommate, Rosario Dawson. His cover of ELO’s “Do Ya,” which was also featured on the Californication soundtrack, has been viewed 20,000 times on YouTube. “Highways,” along with “California Run” and “Do Ya” can be found on Nathan’s latest full-length, The Distance Calls which was released in August.

The Distance Calls was produced by The Go’s Bobby Harlow and combines the talents of Dean Fertita (The Dead Weather, QOTSA), Kenny Tudrick and Joey Mazzola (Detroit Cobras), John Krautner (The Go), and Ross Westerbur (Deadstring Brothers). The album effortlessly merges jangly pop rock with Nathan’s mellower singer/songwriter side. With a dash of NYC glitter and some good old Detroit fuzz and stomp, it showcases a musician clearly influenced by the ‘70s (without being cliché).