Anthony Caceres
There’s Always Something There To Remind Me
Anthony Caceres’ version of “There’s Always Something There To Remind Me” is a smooth, comforting, jazz version of the popular ’80s hit. You do hear that Caceres loves to create refreshing jazz versions of popular songs.
The song is actually a cover of Lou Johnson’s “Always Something There To Remind Me” in 1960, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The original song reached Number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.
The song has been covered a few times already and popularized the song by either making it into pop, New Wave, or even House. Caceres’ version returns sound closer to its roots.
The lyrics used by Caceres, even though it’s generally the same as the original Johnson version, did take cues from the Naked Eyes’ version. Which is something personal for me, my favorite version of the song in my youth. And it seems more fitting because when I hear the other versions, it feels that it was lacking a certain charm. Caceres mainly uses a string bass, which is prominent when listening to his rendition. Matt Lawless’ piano takes highlight in the music and it even takes center stage midway in the song, which gives it a short musical solo. Greg Petito on guitar gives the music a nice introduction, but it immediately takes a back seat once Caceres’ vocals take over.
Once the vocals lie low, the guitar picks up in the chorus. John Guzman’s execution on the drums is not here to be punchy. It relies a lot on soft toned cymbals as its main component. It never gets overwhelming.
Caceres takes the lead as vocals, and his execution has this unique human quality. It’s not perfect, but it feels right. It’s not going to sound like Lou Johnson or Pete Byrne’s Naked Eyes. But there is something comforting listening to Caceres’ voice.
The music is soft and soothing, relaxing to listen to. It’s something I’d like to close my eyes and enjoy the music. I love that it reminds me so much of the ’80s at the same time it resonates more to that original sound, close to soul music. There is something intimate about Caceres’ rendition of There’s Always Something There To Remind Me.”
