Casey Stratton recorded Brandon Flowers’ “Crossfire” all the way back in April 2011, but only posted the unreleased cover a few days ago. “I have no idea why I sat on this one so long,” he tweeted.

I haven’t the faintest notion either, because Stratton’s arrangement of Flowers’ debut solo single is fantastic. “Crossfire” might seem far from an expected target for the Grand Rapids, Michigan singer-songwriter, but as his cover unfolds, everything falls perfectly into place. It’s an affecting performance, one that’s easy to get caught up in.

“I heard the song one day and I was drawn to the ‘Lay your body down’ sections. The melody, the lyrics… I knew I wanted to sing it,” Stratton tells Popservations. “I always choose covers because it’s something I want to sing. Covers for me are like little vacations. Sometimes I even use them as production exercises which is why in many cases — like this one — the arrangement is very similar to the original. I am never really thinking about a potential release. I just enjoy singing other artist’s music. It’s a nice change from my own work.”

“The more I thought about approaching ‘Crossfire,’ the more I knew I wanted to do a big finish with many layered vocals to put my own stamp on it,” he continues. “The ending is definitely my favorite part. I had a great time recording this one. ”

Click play on “Crossfire,” and you’ll discover why Stratton’s pleasure is all ours.

Stratton is impressively adept at tackling others’ tunes (enjoy several more here), but the multi-instrumentalist really lays his heart bare on his own compositions. Stratton’s latest album, Sea Into Sky, was released in June.

While continuing to write and produce, Stratton is now applying his talent and skills to the Performing Arts Program at Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. “I developed a program that teaches music (piano, guitar and chorus), acting, dance, and other performing arts disciplines at three clubs as part of the after-school programming,” he explains. “Bringing the performing arts to at-risk youth is proving to be a strong passion for me and I find the work extremely fulfilling even if it was an unexpected direction for me to take.”

Nurturing the next generation and helping them realize their dreams, whether or not they pursue a future in the arts, Stratton is helping break the boundaries of fear.

Free download of Casey Stratton – “Crossfire” (Brandon Flowers cover) via his website.