aaamusic | On 04, Jul 2011

Fantasy Records and Concorde Music group gather a fantastic line-up for a Buddy Holly tribute. Besides, to cover Charles Hardin Holley, one of the most influential figures of rock, you need no one less than Lou Reed, Paul McCartney, and the most revered indie-stars such as Julian Casablancas, Florence, The Black Keys and Modest Mouse. Well, nothing new, you’ll think, and actually, you’re right, apart from the fact that it’s not Christmas. Said that, the 19 tracks featured in the compilation are far from being mere replicas of the Texan’s songs.

The Black Keys’ reggae version of Dearest is perfect for the pale sun of British July, While Fiona Apple’s and Jon Brion’s attempt to cover Every Day sounds too didactic. Macca drives It’s So Easy into a frenzy. Florence’s take on Not Fade Away may be far from the Stones’ cover of 1964, but sounds fresh and original, as Cee Lo Green. Few other songs really hit the mark, like the simple but impressing Detroit Cobras’ version of Heartbeat, and the up-tempo scherzo of Modest Mouse, that gives a whole new light to That’ll Be The Day.

Overall, Rave On Buddy Holly stands out from the crowd of tribute albums and confirms the endless talent of Randall Poster. Though, the real invitation is to get hold of the three Buddy Holly’s albums, at least to keep in mind that these artists owe him much more than just a cover on request.

Author: Lorenzo Coretti