Oh Boy!

The real start of summer comes with a variety of factors/attributes/signals/etc. The days are longer, the nights are shorter, the heat presses on, and people naturally carry a more laid-back attitude, and for good reason. I've always enjoyed summer because summer also brings about more time to focus on music-listening, music-creating (in terms of ideas), and writing.

But this entry is going to focus on the summer bringing us the much-needed spirit of...BUDDY HOLLY! Yes, Fantasy Records and the Concord Music Group are giving us BH fans a fantastic gift, which is a tribute record, featuring the likes of My Morning Jacket, She & Him, Fiona Apple and John Brion, Patti Smith, and so much more.

I was a little apprehensive at first, when I saw the wide array of artists that would be providing their stylistic renditions of Buddy Holly's music, but after hearing some of the songs that are going to be on the album (which is to be released on June 28th), I placed all worry aside, and have been enjoying the songs for what they are, which are welcomed homages that represent the magic and dynamic rock and roll stipulations that Buddy Holly was famous for, before his unfortunate passing.

I think fans will like Julian Casablanca's version of "Rave On," for he carries a tinge of vocal styling that is very reminiscent of Buddy Holly's style, so in that sense, it's a very truthful cover, yet still remains original. My favorite song, so far, would have to be Fiona Apple and John Brion's cover of "Everyday." Her smokey vocals, and the song's production evoke the same ethereal quality as Holly's original version. Safe to say, I am very excited, and very much looking forward to this compilation.

If you want to listen to some of the songs, they are streaming here

Peace!