Tribute Discs: The Hollies and The Left Banke

 Tribute albums are a difficult enterprise. While there have been a plethora of these discs issued since the 1980s, only a small number end up being considered essential listening by fans, who often debate the true worth of such releases. I highlighted a couple of worthy tribute albums back in 2015, and that entry is one of the most popular here at Eclectic Avenue, so I thought it was worth another look.

Sing Hollies In Reverse (1995) – The Hollies are one of the best bands from The British Invasion era, and their superb harmonies and sparkling guitars, showcased on a number of classic pop/rock singles like “Bus Stop,” and "Look Through Any Window" are fondly remembered by music aficionados to this day. The band also gave us our first look at Graham Nash, later to form a super-group with David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Neil Young. Sing Hollies in Reverse features twenty-one Hollies songs covered by a bevy of power pop artists, who are clearly fans of the band. Standout tracks include Tommy Keene’s version of “Carrie Anne,” The Wondermints wonderful romp through “You Need Love,” and The Posies perfect take on one of my favorite Hollies tunes, “King Midas In Reverse.” 

 

 

There are several artists who endeavor to put their own stamp on the songs, including Jon Brion’s psychedelic run-through of “Sorry Suzanne,” E’s interesting take on “Jennifer Ecles,” and the Flamingoes version of “Water on The Brain,” which is a must listen. You’ll also get to hear The Continental Drifters (featuring ex-Cowsills member Susan Cowsill) pour their hearts and souls into “I Can’t Let Go” and Material Issue do their best British Invasion pop star impressions on “Bus Stop,” while the Shakin' Apostles rock their way through “Dear Eloise.” Sing Hollies In Reverse is currently out of print, but used copies are pretty easy to find online. If you’re a Hollies devotee, or a fan of any of the groups featured on the album, it's worth seeking out.

Shadows Breaking Over Our Heads: A Tribute To The Left Banke (1999) - You probably know The Left Banke based on their two classic 1960s singles “Pretty Ballerina” and the oft-covered “Walk Away Renee.” This short-lived group truly helped define the “baroque pop” genre explored by bands like The Zombies and Love, as well The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones. While their original output consists of only two albums, they left a lasting impression on their fellow musicians, and rock and roll fans. This album features 22 tracks, and there’s not a bad one in the bunch. Some of the most enjoyable entries include Frank Bango’s pop-tinged “Goodbye Holly,” Sun Sawed in 1/2’s effervescent “And Suddenly,” and Starbelly’s rocking version of “Myrah.” I also really like The Phenomenal Cats fantastic reading of “I’ve Got Something On My Mind."

 

A couple of tracks really hit it out of the park, including ex-Jellyfish member Jason Falkner’s beautiful rendition of “Pretty Ballerina” and The Jigsaw Scene’s late period Beatles sounding take on “Desiree,” while The Birdwatchers channel their inner Brian Wilson on “My Friend Today.” Blue Cartoon contributes a strong cover of  “Give The Man A Hand,” and Ken Stringfellow provides an echo-tinged interpretation of "She May Call You Up Tonight." As with The Hollies tribute, having power pop and indie bands take on these songs is an inspired idea that really pays off. Like Sing Hollies in Reverse, this disc is out of print, but readily available at various online outlets. Repeated exposure to Sing Hollies In Reverse and Shadows Breaking Over Our Heads: A Tribute To The Left Banke just might inspire you to seek out the originals, and turn you into a true devotee of The Hollies and The Left Banke.