Still The Best Artist Tribute Album (IMHO): Sing HOLLIES In Reverse

In 1995, the fine people from Eggbert Records released this cool little tribute to The Hollies. For many who were fans of the bands assembled on this tribute album, I am sure it came as quite a surprise how many songs they'd known and loved, but may have never known were Hollies songs.

This, of course, is what tribute albums are all about.

If done well, a tribute album exposes new artists to fans of the band being celebrated and, at the same time, further introduces a noteworthy artist to fans of the bands assembled.

And that, quite simply, is why Sing Hollies In Reverse is among the best tribute albums ever assembled.

I could honestly go on at great length about how I love just about every track on this album, or how the Hollies rank as one of the most sorely underrated bands of the 60's.

Instead, I'll let the music do the talking by posting my favorites:

Material Issue "Bus Stop"
E (from the Eels) "Jennifer Eccles"
Wondermints "You Need Love"
Tommy Keene "Carrie Anne"
Steve Wynn "The Air That I Breathe"
The Loud Family "Look Through Any Window"

Monday Rocks: Weezer "The Lion & The Witch" (2002)

Released exclusively to indie record retailers, this limited-edition, individually-numbered live EP captures Weezer onstage in Japan (circa 2002), where the band is worshipped and Rivers Cuomo is able to satiate his jones for shy Asian girls (okay, that was then this is now...we hear tell he's engaged - to an Asian woman).

As live albums go, the band turns in sturdy, by-the-numbers versions of "Island In The Sun" and "Dope Nose", as well as rocked-up readings of Pinkerton-era gems, "El Scorcho" and "Falling For You". "Death & Destruction" is given an atmospheric, heartfelt treatment and an obvious standout on this release. Quite frankly, I'd given the song short thrift until I heard it on this EP. A loose, yet inspired version of "Holiday" rounds out the EP.

Boots Week: Cheap Trick Germany '83

In trying to figure out which Trick tracks to make available this week, I figured I'd showcase a particular show that included some material that we as Trick fans haven't already heard ad infinitum over the years.

A particular favorite of mine was a German show (for Rockpalast) from 1983. What makes this show so memorable is the appearance of some Next Position Please-era material that truly comes alive in a concert setting (whereas the studio versions were a bit flat, to my ears). Seriously, check out their live version of "Next Position Please". Once you do, you realize how cool the song coulda been if Rundgren hadn't been at the helm (not that I have anything Todd, of course).

Heck, they even played "Reach Out" and "Everything Works If You Let It", which I never heard once the year before despite catching the band numerous times durijng the US leg of their One On One tour.

Those lucky Germans!

In addition, if you pay careful attention, you'll hear a set of vocals singing impeccable harmonies right along with Zander. You'll also hear pianos and synths throughout. All of this is compliments of tour singer/keyboardist Magic Christian, who was on-board for the Next Position Please tour.

I'll Be With You Tonight
Dancing The Night Away
Baby Loves To Rock
Dream Police
Big Eyes

Boots Week: Van Halen circa '77

While the chances of ever seeing the original VH line-up put aside their egos and assorted differences are beyond slim, it is impossible to argue how freakin' monstrous this band was at the height of their career, before DLR became circus ringleader and wearer of ass-less chaps.

Exactly when VH reached their height is debatable. Was it the Women & Children First period, or just after VH II had come out? I personally feel that, while there is some remarkable material from both periods, nothing beats Van Halen when they were hungry and had something to prove. Thus, I'm unleashing some live cuts from late '77, when Van Halen was just beginning to take the Sunset Strip and the rest of the planet by storm.

Many have written off VH as the first hair metal band and, sure, they spawned a thousand knock-offs that came from all parts of the US and plugged up Hollywood throughout most of the 80's. Personally, I have always thought that VH were more punk than a lot of people give them credit for being. David Lee Roth a punk rocker? Eddie Van Halen a punk guitarist?

Now, just hear me out.

Did any other band play more by their own rules than VH? From the very beginning, they were writing the template for what started out very punk, but, in the hands of imitators who could only approximate VH's style, would become the embarrassingly cookie-cutter hair metal scene.

To this day, I will argue that VH's first album is just as punk rock as that first Ramones album. Is it a crime that VH were a whole lot more fun to party with?

All tracks are available to DONATE TO CHARITY SLICE readers.

Track listing:

1. On Fire Rehearsal Instrumental
2. Voodoo Queen Rehearsal Instrumental
3. Atomic Punk Rehearsal Instrumental
4. Ain't Talking Bout Love Full Band Rehearsal
5. On Fire Full Band Rehearsal

6. On Fire
7. Feel Your Love Tonight
8. Runnin' With The Devil
9. Atomic Punk
10. Little Dreamer
11. Somebody Get Me A Doctor
12. Ice Cream Man
13. Ain't Talkin' Bout Love
14. Eruption
15. D.O.A.
16. You Really Got Me