Various Artists – “The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute”
Album Reviews | Oct 27th, 2013
Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Genre: Punk Rock
Buy on Amazon.com
Tony Sly of No Use For A Name passed away last year and the punk community is still feeling the lost. Fat Wreck Chords compiled an excellent collection of bands to pay tribute to late NUFAN frontman. The bands cover Tony Sly’s solo material as well as No Use For A Name songs. Proceeds of the album sales will go to the Tony Sly fund, so don’t be an asshole and steal this album.
Karina Denike starts off the tribute compilation with “Biggest Lie” and it’s a fitting start since it’s a somber song, and done nicely with Karina’s harmonized vocals. The next track blends in well with Mad Caddies’ cover of “AM.” It’s what you expect from Mad Caddies, a slow, reggae version of the song. The track is great but it’s also awesome to hear some new material from Mad Caddies as well.
Strung Out do an excellent job covering “Soulmate,” one of my favorites NUFAN songs.
Other notable tracks you’ll hear on this excellent comp include: Rise Against doing an acoustic version of “For Fiona,” Bad Religion covering “Let It Slide,” NOFX’s take on “Shortest Pier,” Bouncing Souls cover of “Homecoming,” Frank Turner’s version of “Keira,” and Pennywise’s “Devonshire and Crown” cover. Brian Fallon of Gaslight Anthem does a touching cover of “Capo 4th Fret” too. It’s only fitting that Joey Cape and Lagwagon are represented here twice. Lagwagon covers “Discomfort Inn” and Joey Cape and Scorpios play “International You Day.”
There’s so many bands paying tribute to Tony that I can’t list them all. There’s 33 songs in total, although the album I’m reviewing at 26 tracks. Just get the album and listen to bands pay tribute to NUFAN and Tony Sly. I’m sure fans (and these bands) would rather have Tony Sly back then have a tribute album for him but if you like covers, be sure to buy this one!
Bottom Line: Outstanding compilation with so many great bands paying tribute to Tony Sly
Notable Tracks: AM, Soulmate, Shortest Pier, Discomfort Inn, Not Your Savior, Capo 4th Fret, Toaster in the Bathtub
Overall Rating:
