JEM Celebrates David Bowie

There are a number of performers who’ve re-invented themselves multiple times and right at the top of that list stands David Bowie. His ability to master a number of genres, including rock, soul, folk, dance, electronic, and glam, garnered him critical acclaim and gained him a devoted legion of fans. So, it’s no surprise that JEM Records is honoring the music of The Thin White Duke with this year’s entry in their “JEM Celebrates” series. JEM Records Celebrates David Bowie is the latest in a fantastic array of albums saluting the work of notable rock and roll artists. Past entries in the series have paid tribute to the work of John Lennon, Brian Wilson, and Ray Davies, among others.

JEM Records Celebrates David Bowie features 11 bands from the label’s supremely talented roster of artists tackling songs from Bowie’s expansive discography. The disc opens with The Grip Weeds’ psychedelic-hued version of “Space Oddity,” which is followed by Paul Collins’ power pop-meets-punk take on “Hang On To Yourself,” a track originally included on the 1972 release Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

Next up is The Cynz’s kinetic interpretation of “Can’t Help Thinking About Me.” The band, led by the fabulous Cyndi Dawson, amps up the energy in their cover of a song originally recorded in 1966 by Bowie and his band, The Lower Third.

Other notable entries include The Midnight Callers’ spirited run through of the classic “Changes,” and The Airport 77s’ edgy version of the techno-infused “I’m Afraid of Americans.” The High Frequencies, featuring the wonderful Lisa Mychols, offer a vibrant rendition of “Modern Love,” which embraces the song’s 80s era origins.

The On and Ons provide a folk-tinged rendering of “Kooks,” a tune from 1971’s Hunky Dory.

The Anderson Council also checks in with a remarkable take on “Boys Keep Swinging,” from 1979’s Lodger. Of course, no JEM tribute disc would be complete without a song from New Jersey’s The Weeklings, who rock out here with a dynamic version of “Diamond Dogs.”

If you thought that was the extent of the superlative selections on this outstanding record, you’d be mistaken. Richard Barone of The Bongos joins the party with a heartfelt live performance of “Starman,” and Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men round out the disc with their engaging version of “Heroes.”

All of the bands that contributed songs to this marvelous record did an exceptional job paying homage to one of the most iconic artists in rock and roll history. This is a remarkable tribute to a multi-talented artist who not only defined several musical genres but also broke through the conventions of those genres.

JEM Records Celebrates David Bowie will be released on August 29.

-John Visconti

Photo: Javier Perez Montes, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons