(Shock)

Covers from A to Z – everything from Aguilera to Van Zandt

There are a couple of reasons it makes sense for Evan Dando (for it is just he and a rotating crop of musos who these days make The Lemonheads) to release Varshons, a collection of covers. #1 – Dando, who was prolific through the ‘80s and ‘90s, seems to have hit a concrete-reinforced writer’s block this decade, releasing only two original albums. #2 – The Lemonheads were always big fans of recording covers anyway; on top of their hits Mrs Robinson and Luka, you can search the net for dozens of ‘varshons’ of everything from Big Star to Carole King, Metallica to NKOTB. However, the 11 songs here are new recordings inspired by mix tapes made for Dando by his pal and the record’s producer, Butthole Surfer Gibby Haynes. Variety seems to be the only rule as Dando’s familiar warm drawl and alt-country twang is spread over a relatively obscure choice of tracks by English post-punks Wire, country mainstay Townes Van Zandt, ‘60s garage rockers The Green Fuz, Texan punks Fuckemos and his almost obligatory nod to hero Gram Parsons on I Just Can’t Take It Anymore, which could have come straight from his own classic ‘90s It’s A Shame About Ray period. The deep-voiced and jaunty murder ballad in controversial punk G.G. Allin’s Layin’ Up With Linda is a fun highlight, as are a couple of duets that demonstrate Dando’s well-known penchant for hanging with the Hollywood A-list. On the dancefloor pumping, silly Dirty Robot (originally by Arling & Cameron), Dando vocodes verses behind Kate Moss’ forgivably dodgy lead vocals, while Liv Tyler holds her own on Leonard Cohen’s bittersweet Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye. The result is an album that’s as easy to listen to as it is varied, and like any decent covers record, you’ll find yourself hunting down more from the original artists. Except perhaps for the album closer – though to be fair, Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful has never been closer to acceptable as it is here.

***½

SIMON TOPPER

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*