You already love SOA for its leather-bound mix of violence, drama and Charlie Hunnam's bare ass. But, over seven seasons, the show has also become known for its bold musical experiments.
The SOA band's latest unlikely cover is a subdued, slightly menacing version of “Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In" from the Hair soundtrack. It will air during the fifth episode of the show’s final season, “Some Strange Eruption,” on Tuesday, October 7.
"This taps into some serious and pungent memories for me," Thiele tells BuzzFeed, "I remember seeing the original cast perform the show on Broadway in 1969!"
While The Forest Rangers pay tribute to the original with their psychedelic instrumentation, vocalists Joshua James and Billy Valentine help bend the song into a 21st-century backyard bonfire jam.
"Joshua is such an amazing singer and musician," Thiele explains, "someone who joined the fold back in season three's opening episode when he gave us his take on the Herman's Hermits hit, 'No Milk Today.'" As for Valentine, who has also contributed to the Sons of Anarchy soundtrack in the past, Thiele is effusive: "great, amazing, not to be believed."
As for what the song reveals about the ongoing drama, Thiele is a little more coy.
Watch Sons of Anarchy on FX Tuesday, October 7 at 10 p.m. to hear the song in action.
