Covert Stations gaze into the eyes of heartbreak with an effects-laden take on Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”

david1170
Jul 21
3 min read

After an unintended yet precisely two year hiatus, Covert Stations arrive back with their seventh song in a self-proclaimed ‘borrowed singles’ series. It’s arguably Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hit and Stevie Nicks’ finest pair of pants—fighting words, perhaps? “Dreams” sits atop Fleetwood Mac’s catalogue of music as their sole #1 U.S. hit, from the band’s 11th album Rumours, which was certified platinum many times over… and it’s a damn great song.

When guitarist and second repeat contributor, Justin Rauschkolb, suggested “Dreams" to Covert Stations originator, Craig Cirinelli, he was met with an immediate sceptical proclamation: “I really don’t think we should touch it. No one wants to hear a new version of that song—Another new version of that song. No one will want to hear anyone other than Stevie singing it—I don’t want to hear anyone other than Stevie sing it.” Yet as committed to a vision as he was, Justin swiftly demoed a set of shimmering notes and swirling guitars across spacious verses and into what sounds like tidal wave choruses. He sent the idea to both Cirinelli, and his collaborator Eli Nowak of which Rauschkolb shares a long-distance band relationship with in Break to Broken. Both Craig and Eli were taken back and simply couldn’t refuse Justin’s audio pitch. A collateral depth was felt, one which was magnetic yet uniquely challenging. His take didn’t seem unjust. Instantly hearing it in the style of Covert Stations, the building blocks were put in place for official tracking to begin. The only missing piece being a unique bassist for this single. Cirinelli tapped long-time friend and bassist Kevin Lynch of NJ’s post-punk power trio Shades Apart. Having a relationship that spanned decades, Kevin asked to hear the song and signed-up immediately. Everyone then got to work in their own environments, trading files, building layers, and detailing nuances to one another’s approval. All tracks were then sent to the celebrated studio of this series, Portrait Recording Studios for the official mix.

Covert Stations, curated by Craig Cirinelli (of Hidden Cabins, (Damn) This Desert Air, The Atlantic Union Project), is a project that thrives on a chameleon-like approach, evident in its selection of larger than life hit song selections verses an ever-changing membership in underground music. it demonstrates the project's commitment to creative approach. Other songs of choice have been INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart”, Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love”, The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary”, R.E.M.'s "The One I Love”, Modern English's "I Melt with You," and The Psychedelic Furs' "Love My Way”. With the entrance of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” as their 2025 single, Covert Stations seems to be back for a new round.

For a deep dive into the entire Covert Stations collection and to explore the unique interpretations of these songs, visit CovertStations.com.

On this track, Covert Stations is:

Craig Cirinelli (vocals); Justin Rauschkolb (electric & acoustic guitars; keyboards); Eli Nowak (drums, pre-chorus guitar); Kevin Lynch (bass guitar)