Alt-Folk Songwriter Brandon Jenner Shares His Rendition of Bo Diddley’s “Can’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover”
July 29, 2022 BY Jason Currell
Today, Los Angeles songwriter and producer Brandon Jenner releases the rollicking stomper “Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover,” from his forthcoming EP Oversized Soul.
If the song sounds a bit retro, that’s because it is! Brandon smartly puts his spin on the 1962 classic “You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover” by rock and roll pioneer Bo Diddley. Brandon proves that there’s always more than what meets the eye with this raw and rootsy version. What begins like an impromptu jam session quickly turns into a blazing blues number led by a fiery harmonica, rapid-fire drums, and grungy guitar lines. Each chorus comes to a raucous climax with Jenner soulfully wailing, I may look like a hater but I’m a lover, no you can’t judge a book by lookin’ at the cover.
“Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover” follows the equally intoxicating single, “Vibrations.” Both will appear on Brandon’s new EP due out September 2nd via Nettwerk.
Listen to “Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover” on all digital retailers (here).
Brandon Jenner constantly tunes into the inspiration around him. Whether it be philosophical questions posed by his children, moments of missing his wife, or nightmares dreams she destroyed his beloved truck, his music absorbs life’s everyday wonders and nuances. As such, the Los Angeles-born singer, songwriter, and producer paints a rich picture of the important things—what it means to be a good dad, good husband, good brother, and good son.
This picture comes into full focus on his 2022 Oversized Soul EP.
“Little moments inspire me to write,” he affirms. “I’ve gotten better at whittling my life down to the most important things, which are my family, music, and self-care. I don’t really do anything that doesn’t contribute to strengthening one of those three. Playing music in so many genres satisfies me the most. It’s an outlet for all of my emotions.”
He’s only opened up more and more over the years with each subsequent project. The world first heard his voice in the duo Brandon & Leah. However, he introduced himself as a solo artist with 2016’s Burning Ground EP led by the title single “Burning Ground.” Amassing tens of millions of streams, he released a string of fan favorite projects such as the Face The World EP [2018], Plan On Feelings EP [2019], So Childish EP [2020], and Short of Home EP [2021]. In addition to praise for Short of Home from Artist Waves, California Rocker, and more, American Songwriter proclaimed, “Together, these songs reveal the through-line of authenticity in Jenner’s storytelling that makes Short of Home the truest testament to his artistry yet.” Throughout 2021, he pieced together Oversized Soul, writing, recording, and mixing at his own studio.
BRANDON JENNER IN THE PRESS…
“…these songs reveal the through-line of authenticity in Jenner’s storytelling…”
–American Songwriter
“…earthy… mellow…”
– Billboard
“…heartfelt… emotional…”
– Grammy Museum
“…feel-good…”
– DittyTV
“Brandon Jenner brilliantly explicates the minute ways in which we should all try to live better, and does so with careful panache.”
–Atwood Magazine
