Various Artists - Take Me Home: A Tribute to John Denver
(Badman)
Take Me Home is a John Denver tribute album that Red House Painters' Mark Kozelek has been working on ever since Denver's death. Mark grew up listening to John Denver and always thought Denver never got the respect he deserved for being a great songwriter. So, Mark took it upon himself to release this tribute to Denver to show everyone that there was more to him than his Muppet Show appearances and his "'Thank God I'm A Country Boy'" side.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy (AKA Will Oldham) starts the album off with a sincere and beautiful a capella rendition of "The Eagle and the Hawk" that is nothing less than amazing. In fact, even though the song is
less than 2 minutes long, I have found myself wanting to put the album on just for it.
Low's stark cover of "Back Home Again" is founded on a lush organ and Mimi's fragile yet inspiring voice. The song is rounded out with a low-mixed acoustic guitar, bass drum, and Alan's vocals in the chorus.
Though this song isn't as impressive as Low's Spaceman 3 tribute contribution or their last album, it is a must have for any fan of their music.
Besides Low and Bonnie Prince Billy, this album contains tracks from The Innocence Mission, Rachel Haden, Hannah Marcus, Granfaloon Bus, Sunshine Club, James Hindle, Tarnation with Joe Gore, a duet by Mark Kozelek and Mojave 3's Rachel Goswell, and 2 tracks from the Red House Painters.
The album's highlights are its Red House Painters songs. Their cover of "Fly Away" is definitely more on their rock side and is one of the most powerful instrumental songs I have heard in years. Their rendition
of "I'm Sorry" could have come right off one of their albums. The lyrics are heartbreakingly sad and ring true, as if Mark had written the words himself.
So, if like me, you have been waiting years for a new Red House Painters' album, this John Denver tribute is a godsend. Sure the new Red House Painters' album will come out someday, and sure Mark Kozelek's solo ep is coming out very soon, but why wait when you could have a few great songs by them, as well as other great songs, in your hot little hands right now?
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