The JEM Records Celebrates series, honoring the work of iconic rock and roll songwriters, has become an anticipated annual event. Previous releases in the series have paid tribute to the music of John Lennon, Brian Wilson, Ray Davies, and Pete Townshend. This time out, the talented roster of JEM all-stars takes a deep dive into some classic songs written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones.
JEM Records Celebrates Jagger & Richards kicks off with an exuberant rendition of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Midnight Callers, who add a touch of their edgy New York sound to that classic 1960s single. Peter Horvath and his cohorts in The Anderson Council bring their vibrant psychedelic vibes to “Citadel,” originally featured on Their Satanic Majesties Request, and rock out on a very cool version of “Connection” from Between The Buttons. Speaking of psychedelia, those psyche-pop/rock MVPs in The Grip Weeds provide a spot-on cover of “Dandelion” and a dreamy rendition of “We Love You.” Kurt Reil, the multi-talented vocalist and drummer for The Grip Weeds, also worked behind the scenes on the album.
The Gold Needles weave a fantastic version of “Let’s Spend The Night Together,” while The Weeklings amp up the party with an energetic, down-and-dirty cover of “Rocks Off.” Those rough and tumble rockers The Cynz (featuring Cyndi Dawson) bring a whole new level of saucy swagger to ”Star Star,” while Nick Piunti layers some 80s pop energy into his lovely take on “Ruby Tuesday.” Paul Collins infuses the early Stones single “Tell Me,” with his trademark power pop vibes, while staying true to the song’s British Invasion roots.
In addition to those much-beloved songs, there’s a nod to a pair of latter-day gems in the Jagger-Richards catalog. The Airport 77’s take flight with a New Wave, Cars-style rendition of “Too Tight,” from 1997’s Bridges To Babylon, and Johnathan Pushkar brings out the sweet pop sensibilities inherent in 2002’s “Don’t Stop.”
Getting back to classic tracks, the album closes out with an incredible version of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” by The High Frequencies, with vocals by Lisa Mychols. It starts out airy and ethereal, then morphs into a swirling, epic anthem, reminiscent of 80s rock.
JEM Records Celebrates Jagger & Richards, which comes out on May 31, is a masterfully produced tribute to one of rock and roll’s greatest bands, and most revered songwriting duos. The Jagger & Richards oeuvre features an eclectic group of songs, steeped in multiple genres, including pop, rock, country, and soul.
The brilliant artists of JEM stay true to the spirit of these iconic tunes while imbuing them with a touch of their own unique styles. This fantastic record is yet another extraordinary entry in a series of tributes from JEM Records that just keeps getting better every year.
-John Visconti
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I look forward to hearing this album!