Soul classic "The Dark End Of The Street" written by songwriting legends Dan Penn and Chip Moman is certainly a daunting number to remake. Having previously been covered by icons including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello, Dolly Parton and Frank Black. But Dave Gahan and Soulsavers have made an admirable effort with their bluesy rendition of the song. The track is taken from their forthcoming covers album "Imposter", which also includes covers from the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and PJ Harvey, to name but a few.  

The album is the third collaborative studio album by English singer-songwriter Dave Gahan (most well-known for being part of influential 80's electronic band 'Depeche Mode') and producer Rich Machin, who is half of electronica downtempo duo Soulsavers. After the 2012 album "The Light the Dead Sea", and the 2015 "Angels & Ghosts". 

Regarding the 12 tracks selected for the album "Imposter", Gahan stated, "They carry a sense of wisdom and longevity that is just there in the song and very apparent in the voice. I don't think I could have done this 20 years ago. A lot of songwriters will tell you this, but sometimes when you hear a certain song at a certain time of your life, it just strikes a chord, and you feel like you know everything about the song, the person who wrote it, the idea and story behind it. This particular group of songs were from a much larger list, but they were songs and artists that Rich and I felt had changed the shape of our lives." 

The pair stays true to James Carr's original version of the song (recorded in 1966) with its intimate and moving essence. But is also elevated by Gahan's gritty and emotive vocals and distinctive delivery, which are empowered thanks to Machin's slow-burning, bluesy and even in parts tender production work. The song reaches a climactic finish, partly down to the introduction of backing singers in the closing verse. Gahan and Soulsavers have taken on a classic with "The Dark End Of The Street" and done it suitable justice with this cover version. 

"Imposter" is due out on the 12th of November by Columbia Records and was entirely recorded at the infamous Shangri-La Recording Studio in Malibu, California, with a 10-person band. 

You can listen to Dave Gahan and Soulsavers cover of "The Dark End Of The Street" below