Tribute albums can be a tricky enterprise. To properly honor the music of a renowned artist, the people involved with the project have to appreciate why the songs of the musician being saluted have touched and inspired so many people, and treat them with the proper care and respect. Otherwise, the whole project can come off feeling misguided. When they're done properly, tribute albums can be a valuable exploration of an artist's legacy and a positive listening experience for fans. Last year, JEM Records successfully paid homage to the music of John Lennon with the excellent JEM Records Celebrates John Lennon, which featured amazing bands like The Weeklings, The Gold Needles and The Anderson Council masterfully covering songs from John's time with The Beatles and his work as a solo artist.
On July 16, for the second chapter in what promises to be an ongoing series, the label will be releasing JEM Records Celebrates Brian Wilson. Brian's unforgettable songs and albums with The Beach Boys, as well as his noteworthy solo projects, are absolutely worthy of celebration. This marvelous and immensely enjoyable album is a terrific tribute to his enduring work. JEM's supremely talented roster of artists, including Nick Piunti, The Midnight Callers, Lisa Mychols and Super 8, and Richard Barone, are at the top of their game here, providing us with marvelous interpretations of fifteen of Brian's classic songs. It's one of the best tribute albums I've heard since JEM's John Lennon disc, and it's absolutely worth checking out.
Things kick off with a lovely a cappella rendition of "The Warmth Of The Sun" by The Weeklings, who also offer us their toughened up version of "Help Me Rhonda." Nick Piunti rocks out on his terrific cover of "Hang On To Your Ego," while The Anderson Council's fabulous versions of "Girl, Don't Tell Me" and "I'd Love For Once Just To See You" will have you reaching for the replay button. The disc also includes powerful takes on a trio of Brian's most beloved songs: Richard Barone's spare, poignant reading of "In My Room" and Lisa Mychols and Super 8's girl group styled, Wall of Sound-ified rendition of "Don't Worry, Baby," effectively illustrate the emotional depth inherent in Brian's work, which is also very much in evidence on The Gold Needles' beautiful version of Brian's remarkable solo track "Love & Mercy."
There's more exceptional music to be heard on this phenomenal record. The Midnight Callers check in with a magnificent, power-pop infused cover of "Do It Again." The Beach Boys hit "Dance, Dance, Dance," gets a high energy workout from Johnathan Pushkar, who's joined by Richard Barone for an exuberant romp through "I Get Around." The Grip Weeds, New Jersey's own purveyors of psychedelic rock, provide an exceptional, not to be missed rendition of "You're So Good To Me" and apply their psych/pop sheen to an extraordinary, immersive version of "Heroes & Villains." The album wraps up with Lisa Mychols and Super 8's clever mash-up of Beach Boys/Brian Wilson song titles and lyric snippets on the tremendous "Pet Sounds Story." If you enjoy classic rock and roll and pop music interpreted with real heart and soul, you're going to love every track on this album.
JEM Records Celebrates Brian Wilson is a superb record that will have strong appeal for Beach Boys and Brian Wilson devotees, as well as fans of the talented artists involved with this project. Executive Producer Marty Scott, all of the artists, and everyone at JEM have crafted a wonderful tribute to the music of a one of a kind rock and roll icon. For more information on the album, head over to JEM's site at: http://www.jemrecordings.com. If you'd like to learn more about this outstanding record, you can read my behind the scenes interview with Marty Scott and several of the artists over at CultureSonar, an indispensable arts and entertainment website. Follow this link to check out the article: https://www.culturesonar.com/a-celebration-of-brian-wilsons-music/. Here's a link to the video for The Grip Weeds cover of "You're So Good To Me," which will provide you with just a small sample of what to expect from the album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o3BBMU4_sk.
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