“unsealed”
Unsealed
A Tribute to the Go-Go’s
4 Alarm
Ehhh, I don’t know about this one. On the one hand, I’ve loved the Go-Go’s since 1981. On the other, tribute albums featuring bands “interpreting” the master’s song irk me.
I must admit, however, the song choices are excellent: Lots from Beauty and the Beat (but not my fave, “Skidmarks on my Heart”) and good hits from over the years, including “Head Over Heels,” “Vacation,” “This Old Feeling,” “Get Up and Go,” and “Turn to You.”
“Our Lips Are Sealed” (co-written by Terry Hall of the Specials), arguably one of the best and most important of punk/pop songs of the ‘80’s is given pretty good treatment by Truly, but the Frogs’ interpretation of “Vacation” and the Chainsaw Kittens’ abuse of “We Got the Beat” …well, I’m a purist, folks. Comedy (the Frogs) is fine, but mixing Iggy/Bowie’s “Nightclubbing” with “We Got the Beat” should put a price on the heads of the Chainsaw Kittens. Sugarsmack’s version of “Turn To You” is as good as I would expect from them (girl singer = understanding of how the song’s put together, etc.). Season To Risk’s rendition of “This Town” is scary, appropriately, and Sunset Valley’s version of “Automatic” is pretty bone-chilling, again, appropriately. Nonetheless, I winced more than a few times. Generally, Unsealed is not for the weak of heart.
4 Alarm Records, 660 Lake St., Chicago, IL 60661; http://www.fouralarmrecords.com
