Jem Records has just released the 6th in their series of "celebration" recordings. This new one celebrates David Bowie.
I hadn't really paid any mind to Volumes 1-5. Something about them rubbed me the wrong way. It was the same artists being used on each volume. Some of the volumes feature artists with multiple entries, which is great if you like The Anderson Council and Jonathan Pushkar. But if you don't, then you are subjected to two entries by each on the Brian Wilson and Ray Davies celebrations. On the John Lennon celebration, the Midnight Callers have three entries. I may be picking nits, but I am only mentioning this to explain why I haven't listened to any of them before finally checking out the David Bowie, which has 11 songs and 11 different artists.
I loved this set.
From opener, a very Who-like take on "Space Oddity" by The Grip Weeds to The Airport 77's very tasty spin on the nasty "I'm Afraid Of Americans," this collection is tight. And speaking of The Midnight Callers, their version of "Changes" knocked me out, which makes me want to hear more of this band, including those three Lennon covers I mentioned.
After thinking it through, the very thing that put me off these Jem Celebrations is actually what makes this set work. The common complaint about tribute records is how hit or miss they are, usually due to what seems like the A&R department blindly throwing darts at a board with artists names and song titles. By using like-minded bands, generally powerpoppers, Jem keeps it consistent. It is no different than a Motown Sings The Beatles collection. My intitial trepidation honestly had little to do with the music being served. I just thought five volumes with the same eight bands was pushing it. I was wrong.
6 comments:
I've heard all of these. The Lennon one is the only one that didn't click for me (which I think was due to the song choices). The others are all very good listens in my book.
I like the Airport 77’s “I’m Afraid…” more than the other two, but it’s the one of the three songs posted of which I’ve heard the original the least. Will give the set a spin. Both the Brian Wilson and Pete Townshend compilations are a lot of fun. Haven’t heard the others.
- Paul in DK
Airport 77's "I'm Afraid of Americans" is what did it for me - must listen to the rest! (How did The Weeklings get in on this?) I haven't heard a lot of tributes or celebratory records - in fact, I think "Two Rooms" may be the only one I own, besides OF COURSE, OF COURSE, "The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert".
Sal, your mea culpa makes me all the more ready and willing to listen with open ears! Otherwise, I would never have bothered.
And happy anniversary to Burning Wood, now 17 years old!
"Changes" sounds like the "live" version I wish Bowie released.
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