Various Artists “If it Feels Go Do it: Tribute To Sloan”
The amazing thing about this tribute is that most of Sloan’s songs aren’t as well known or played out as other more popular artists (i.e. Beatles) and this frees the artist from adhering to a strict interpretation. Also Sloan has some gorgeous compositions that fit perfectly with these artists, and its sure to draw attention.
Stereo Tiger not only starts us off with “C’mon C’mon (We’re Gonna Get It Started),” the band is also offering up a quick EP of added covers FREE here. Andy Reed crushes “I Love A Long Goodbye” and The Dead Girls delivers a solid take on “Friendship.” Lots of today’s best artists contribute: Fireking, Chris Richards, Nick Piunti, Pop4, etc. I could continue to list favorites, but with 31 tracks this post would go on too long. Simply stated this is the best tribute album of 2016 so far! So get it from our friends at Futureman Records!
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Rude Awakening “Rude Awakening”
Rude Awakening was formed in Winnsboro, TX in 1985 and disbanded in 1989. They were never signed to a record label, thus never released an official CD, but the band members (Jim Richey, Jeff Hamm, Kenny Swann and Jeffrey Galloway) continued to play together eventually becoming The Pozers. The band specialized in guitar rock based on ’70s and ’80s similar to Cheap Trick, Kiss, AC/DC and Van Halen.
Its worth noting that the musicianship here is solid and the era is re-created perfectly. “First Impression” really rocks out and “One More Cry” sound like lost hits from the proto-metal hair band era. Ballads like “For Angie” and “Traci” remind me of Extreme a little and the speed-metal “Leather and Lace” pulls out all the stops as the drummer goes wild. The album stays stylistically consistent throughout and even if they do go past the four minute mark on songs, it sounds like the band is having fun. “17” is a dead ringer for a lost Kiss single, and you’ll find plenty of favorites to add to your listening mix.
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