Various Artists
"Keepsake Volume 2: Covers" CDEP
KEEP
Recordings
Genres: folk-pop, indie pop
KEEP
PO Box 18972
Tucson AZ 85731
June 6 - 12 2005 |
Volume Two is the latest chapter in KEEP Recordings' Keepsake
chronicles, a series of lovingly crafted compilations showcasing the
label's premier acts. This one consists exclusively of cover
songs, featuring versions of tracks by just about everyone, from The
Beach Boys and Willie Nelson to indie stalwarts Modest
Mouse and Low. The highlight is definitely Chad
King's take on "Wouldn't It Be Nice," a low-key,
folky version that's been compared to Jack Johnson by a few of
my friends. There are a number of other solid tracks,
including Dolorean's acoustic version of Kris Kristofferson's
"Help Me Make It Through the Night" and Grumpy Bear's
strangely dark rendition of Willie Nelson's "Always on my
Mind." Brian Michael Roff's "So Far Away"
(Carole King) and Arman Melles' "Sunflower" (Low)
are also very strong. Beltline's "In The Manner
of Anne Frank" (Portastatic) and This Busy Monster's
"Meathook" (The Cure) don't succeed like some of the
other songs, though - coming out flat and uninspired. The good outweighs the bad on this
compilation, however, and overall it's a very worthwhile record to
check out. If you, like me, just love listening to bands take on
songs by different musicians, pick this disc up. 86%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
13 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2005] |
