Great Covers Of Our Time: 2. Ha-Mechashefot - The Taking Of Peckham 123

Ha-Mechashefot (English: The Witches) were an all-girl Israeli rock band formed in 1992. They were fronted by founder Inbal Perlmutter along with Ifat Netz and Yael Cohen.

The band began to perform in clubs around Israel, and got public notice on a TV show called “Songs of the Sea of Galilee”, hosted by Naomi Shemer. The Witches performed a sensual version of Shemer’s song Kesem ‘Al Yam Kinneret (“Magic on the Sea of Galilee”) which astounded both the audience and the host. This version was recorded in April 1993, and was released as a DJ record with cover art by Perlmutter.

In early 1994, the band released its first album, Ad Ha-Oneg Ha-Ba (“Till the Next Pleasure”). Perlmutter wrote the lyrics and composed nearly all the songs. Thanks to Korin Alal’s arrangement and production, the band succeeded in creating an energetic guitar rock album which gained immense popularity and was certified gold. Following the album’s release, the band had dozens of concerts. Some of them were held on Friday the 13th under the title “The Night of the Witches”, and featured guest singers Korin Alal and Dana Berger. In March/April 1995, The Witches released its second album, Zmanim Muzarim (“Strange Times”). This time they arranged and produced the entire album themselves. They also supported Bjork at some Isreali shows.

In April 1996, the band released its third album, Ha-Mechashefot Mitkasot (“The Witches Cover Up”), a collection of all the cover songs they recorded in their early days. This is the album which the Carter cover appears on.

After the release of this album, they became considerably less active, although they never officially announced that they were disbanding. They held their final concert in September 1996. Perlmutter died in a car accident in London on 1 October 1997, aged just 26.