Donovan vs. Palaye Royale | Head 2 Head

In the 17^th  edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Donovan and Palaye Royale contend for the best rendition of “Season of the Witch.”  

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song, comparing their respective performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  In the 17^th  edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Donovan and Palaye Royale contend for the best rendition of “Season of the Witch”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Donovan, “Season of the Witch”

Donovan // Sunshine Superman // Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. // 1966

“When I look out my window / Many sights to see / And when I look in my window / So many different people to be / That it’s strange, so strange.” Strange indeed, Donovan (Donovan Leitch) – witchy! “Season of the Witch” was written and performed by the Scottish musician, appearing as the sixth track on his 1966 album, Sunshine Superman. The record, produced by Mickie Most, exemplifies the psychedelia of the 1960s. Amazingly, Leitch charted 17 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including four top-10 hits yet “Season of the Witch” was NOT one of them 🤯.

One aspect of “Season of the Witch” that stands out is its harmonic progression.  It’s simple, featuring three chords: A (I), D (IV), and E (V). Of those three chords, the dominant, E, appears the least, and only in the chorus. The simplicity is part of the charm.  Vocally, Donovan sounds authentic and expressive as he sings the paranoid lyrics, as evidenced by the lyrics in the first verse.  The second verse is much like the first: “When I look over my shoulder / What do you think I see / Some other cat lookin’ over / His shoulder at me / And he’s strange, sure is strange.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which is energetic to the nth degree.  Donovan informs us, “You’ve got to pick up every stitch,” later adding, the titular lyric, “Must be the season of the witch.” Also adding to the allure of this witching classic is the instrumental, which includes an organ solo.  Ask yourself, what is more psychedelic than an organ? “Season of the Witch” is nothing short of epic – a 1960s rock classic!

2. Palaye Royale, “Season of the Witch”

Palaye Royale // Sextape (EP) // Sumerian // 2023

“You’ve got to pick up every stitch.” Indeed! Las Vegas art rock band Palaye Royale tackles the Donovan rock classic, “Season of the Witch”. The Palaye Royale cover appears as the fourth track on their 2023 EP, Sextape.  Remington Leith and company ensure their rendition is distinct from the original. Producing the shorter, Palaye Royale rendition are Dave Green and Mattius.

The sound of the “Season of the Witch” in Palaye Royale’s hands is darker – more foreboding.  The sound effects during the intro are enigmatic, setting the tone for a witching experience.  The harmonized, ‘choral’ vocals, mixed in the background, serve as a fabulous preface to Remington’s lead (“Must be the season of the witch”). Consistent, rhythm guitars serve as the primary accompaniment for the nuanced lead vocals of Remington, which are mixed into the background.  Even with a sense of poise and restraint, Leith’s lead possesses a cool energy.  Expectedly, the band ups the ante in the passionate chorus and settles things down. That said, the second verse expands the instrumentation, and eventually, Remington brings grittier, more overt vocals.  You buy what he’s selling as he invests in the memorable lyrics:

“When I look over my shoulder

What do you think I see?

Some other cat lookin’ over

Over his shoulder at me

And he’s strange, sure, he’s strange.”

All told, Palaye Royale makes a compelling, engaging cover of  “Season of the Witch”.  It thrives thanks to leaning further into the dark themes.  The vocals and production don’t hurt either.

Appears in 🔻:

• Palaye Royale, Season of the Witch: Covers No. 14 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, who did “Season of the Witch” the best? Was it the original by Donovan, which is quintessential psychedelic pop from the 1960s? Or, do the honors belong to Las Vegas, art rock band Palaye Royale, who transform the sound into something, arguably, more witching? Both Donovan and Palaye Royale deliver ear-catching versions that deserve praise.  The victor, however, is Donovan.  He wrote and originally performed it, with numerous artists covering it.  Also, given its importance in 1960s psychedelic music, it deserves the W.

Donovan vs. Palaye Royale: Head 2 Head No. 17 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., Sumerian; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]