Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzales teamed up for a mesmerizing cover of “Snow Is Falling In Manhattan”, originally by Purple Mountains. The track, featuring Feist’s haunting vocals, brings a fresh yet nostalgic feel to David Berman’s poignant lyrics.
Released as part of Chilly Gonzales’ 2020 holiday album, A Very Chilly Christmas, the song blends wintery charm with deep introspection. It’s a bittersweet tribute, given that Berman’s original version arrived just weeks before his tragic passing in 2019.
The collaboration highlights the emotional weight of the music, wrapping listeners in a mix of melancholy and warmth. With delicate piano melodies and layered harmonies, this rendition stands out as a modern holiday classic.
Key Takeaways
- Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzales reimagined Purple Mountains’ original track.
- Feist’s vocals add a haunting beauty to the song.
- The cover appears on the 2020 holiday album A Very Chilly Christmas.
- David Berman’s passing adds depth to the song’s emotional impact.
- Winter imagery and reflective themes define the track’s mood.
The Origins of “Snow Is Falling In Manhattan”
The original version of this melancholic track came from Purple Mountains, a project by indie legend David Berman. Known for his work with Silver Jews, Berman’s shift to this new band marked a deeply personal era in his career.
David Berman and Purple Mountains
After disbanding Silver Jews in 2009, Berman returned to music a decade later with Purple Mountains. The self-titled album, released in 2019, blended his signature poetic lyrics with themes of isolation. Fans saw it as a triumphant yet vulnerable comeback.
The Original Song’s Release and Legacy
The song debuted just weeks before Berman’s tragic death that same year. Its lyrics about urban loneliness gained haunting significance, becoming a farewell to his artistry. Critics praised its wintery imagery and raw honesty, cementing its place in indie music history.
Today, the track stands as a testament to Berman’s ability to turn personal struggle into universal art. Its cover by Cocker and Gonzales reintroduced the song to new audiences, but the original remains a poignant masterpiece.
Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzales’ Collaboration
The cover version of this indie classic brought together three distinct musical voices. Jarvis Cocker, Chilly Gonzales, and Feist transformed the original into a wintery reflection, blending melancholy and warmth.
The Making of the Cover Version
Chilly Gonzales reworked the track with sparse piano melodies for his 2020 album, *A Very Chilly Christmas*. His arrangements stripped the song to its emotional core, letting each note linger.
Jarvis Cocker’s hushed, conversational delivery contrasted with David Berman’s raw original. Critics praised his ability to convey longing without overpowering the music.
Feist’s Contribution to the Track
Feist’s backing vocals shimmered on the chorus, described as “melting” by reviewers. Her harmonies added depth, elevating the cover’s haunting beauty.
| Artist | Role | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Chilly Gonzales | Piano Arrangements | Minimalist, melancholic |
| Jarvis Cocker | Lead Vocals | Reflective, understated |
| Feist | Backing Vocals | Ethereal, layered |
The trio’s history—like Cocker’s feature on Feist’s 2017 track “Century”—fueled their chemistry. Gonzales summed it up:
“Christmas has mixed intense emotion. We aimed for minor-key authenticity.”
Themes and Lyrics of “Snow Is Falling In Manhattan”
The lyrics of this track paint a vivid picture of urban solitude wrapped in winter’s embrace. David Berman’s words blend stark imagery with raw emotion, making the city feel both vast and intimate.
Winter Imagery and Emotional Depth
Snowfall “in slow diagonal fashion” becomes a metaphor for life’s quiet struggles. The *song* contrasts freezing streets with fireside warmth, mirroring the push-pull of loneliness and comfort.
Berman’s repetition of “snow, oh, whoa” in the chorus feels like a sigh—weighted yet fleeting. Jarvis Cocker’s cover amplifies this mood with sparse piano, letting each word linger.
The Song’s Connection to New York City
References to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island ground the *music* in place. The lyrics turn boroughs into backdrops for shared human experiences:
“Songs build little rooms in time.”
This line captures how the track shelters listeners, offering refuge from the cold.
| Element | Original (Purple Mountains) | Cover (Cocker/Gonzales) |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Raw, poetic | Reflective, subdued |
| Instrumentation | Full band | Piano-driven |
| Theme | Urban isolation | Seasonal nostalgia |
Both versions use winter as a lens to examine loneliness. Yet the cover’s softer edges make it feel like a shared memory—a nod to Berman’s lasting influence.
The Cultural Impact of the Song
The 2020 holiday season gave new life to Berman’s work through this haunting rendition. Featured on *A Very Chilly Christmas*, the track balanced festive cheer with introspective depth, resonating with listeners during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Jarvis Cocker’s Domestic Disco Instagram sets mirrored the song’s themes—finding joy in isolation. Critics praised the cover as a bridge between Berman’s raw poetry and modern holiday nostalgia.
Today, it stands as a testament to music’s power to connect across time. A bittersweet homage, it ensures Berman’s legacy endures.
FAQ
Who originally wrote "Snow Is Falling In Manhattan"?
The track was first written by David Berman for his band Purple Mountains. It appeared on their self-titled 2019 album.
Why did Jarvis Cocker cover this song?
Cocker collaborated with Chilly Gonzales for a holiday album. They reimagined the track, blending its melancholic tone with festive warmth.
Did Feist contribute to the cover version?
Yes! Feist provided backing vocals, adding a delicate layer to the song’s emotional resonance.
What themes does the song explore?
It blends winter imagery with loneliness, capturing both the beauty and isolation of New York City during the colder months.
How did fans react to the cover?
The rendition was praised for honoring Berman’s original while adding Cocker’s signature storytelling charm.
When was the original version released?
Purple Mountains dropped their album in July 2019, just weeks before Berman’s passing.
Is there a music video for the cover?
No official video exists, but live performances and lyric videos have kept the song alive for listeners.
