So far 2011 could shape up to be the year of cover songs for which the original version is unfamiliar to me. Two weeks ago, Neon Indian tackled T. Rex’s “Children Of The Revolution,” and now Metric pilots Buffalo Springfield’s “Expecting To Fly.”

I am aware that Stephen Stills and Neil Young got their start in Buffalo Springfield, of course, and know their classic song, “For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound),” having heard it countless times over the years. But I’ve never felt any desire to dig deeper outside of their 1967 hit.

“Expecting To Fly” appears on Buffalo Springfield Again, the band’s second album that debut later that same year. Recording sessions were rarely attended by all band members, with studio musicians subbing here and there. Written by Neil Young, “Expecting To Fly” features him alone, with an orchestra arrangement by Jack Nitzsche, who famously worked with Phil Spector on his Wall of Sound productions. “Learning To Fly” served as the set’s third single and crashed at #98 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1968.

Now Metric has re-made “Expecting To Fly” for its iTunes Session, released earlier this month. I typically skip these releases, as I’m not one for live versions of songs I already have, but here the band offers up some fresh new arrangements worth a listen. “Help I’m Alive” and “Gimme Sympathy” both benefit from string sections, while “Eclipse (All Yours),” Metric’s original song from the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack, features vocalist Emily Haines accompanying herself on piano.

Metric has gone all in for this iTunes Session, even commisioning a music video for their cover of “Expecting To Fly.” Director Christopher Mills continues the narrative from his previous short film for the band’s song, “Collect Call.” Both Metric’s cover and this new clip are arresting pieces of work:

 

Purchase Metric – “Expecting To Fly” (Buffalo Springfield cover) via iTunes.