Assorted Artists “Someone/Anyone? A 50th Anniversary Tribute to Todd Rundgren’s Something/Anything?”
Guitarist Fernando Perdomo is on a roll, so let’s keep it going. In 2021 he created a 50th Anniversary edition of Paul and Linda McCartney’s Ram which was approved and praised by Paul himself. Now he’s organized a group of artists to pay homage to Todd Rundgren’s ahead-of-its-time 1972 classic Something/Anything. It was with this album Todd proved to the world he could play any genre from power pop, blue-eyed soul, psychedelic rock, and more. It lends itself to a variety of interpretations from this eclectic group of performers.
Louise Goffin’s version of “I Saw The Light” is faithful, but a unique vision. Tiny Demons featuring Bobby Strickland leans heavily into the Motown funk style of “Wolfman Jack.” Another faithful version that adds to the original is “It Takes Two To Tango” with Nezrok, Dennis Diken, and Chris Bolger. Fernando (with Jordan Rudess) is in his element with “Breathless” and its multi-layered instrumental guitar goodness. The pop hook of “Couldn’t I Just Tell You” by Marshall Crenshaw is measured, and clear. There are tons of great versions of your favorites, and some weirdness (Adrian Bourgeois). Get it on Bandcamp.
Assorted Artists “Commotion: A Tribute to John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival”
Adam Waltemire produced this tribute to the CCR and its unique brand of countrified rock, blues, and soul. Norman Kelsey’s version of “Commotion” is a great deep track (from Green River) to open things up. Joe Giddings slick version of “Down On The Corner” gives it more of a pop shine, similarly, that crisp production with the Popdudes “Have You Ever Seen The Rain.”
The tortured “Effigy” is lifted by the haunting vocals of Gretchen’s Wheel; a perfect fit here. Jason Berk’s “Up Around The Bend” is another fine faithful version. But in some cases, the Southern-style is completely absent on “Out My Back Door” and “Fortunate Son.” And the Yorktown Lads turn “Green River” into a Beatles song! It’s a mixed bag as with most tributes, but there are more good interpretations than passable ones. Get it on Bandcamp too.