A TRIBUTE TO THE CURE

JUST LIKE HEAVEN: A TRIBUTE TO THE CURE CD (American Laundromat)

Just Like Heaven - A Tribute To The Cure features 16 new cover versions of Cure songs by The Wedding Present, The Brunettes, Devics, Dean & Britta (Luna), The Submarines, The Rosebuds, Grand Duchy (Violet Clark & Black Francis), Joy Zipper, Elk City , and many more. Produced by Joe Spadaro and Gwen Hysler (American Laundromat Records), mastering by Kim Rosen at Alan Douches’ West West Side Music (Galaxie 500, Ben Folds Five, Luna, The Wrens), and original album art & design by Rhode Island Illustrator Melinda Rainsberger . Early press is fantastic for this one. Brought to you by the same label who produced the critically acclaimed Neil Young benefit CD “Cinnamon Girl – Women Artists Cover Neil Young For Charity”, and the popular 80’s tribute “High School Reunion - a tribute to those great 80’s films!” All Music Guide called it “one of the finest tribute records ever produced” and went on to say “let this serve as a blueprint for all future tribute sets”. Highly recommended for Cure fans or any of the bands covering the Cure on this excellent tribute compilation.

Tracklisting:

01. Just Like Heaven performed by JOY ZIPPER

02. The Lovecats performed by TANYA DONELLY & DYLAN IN THE MOVIES

03. Lovesong performed by THE BRUNETTES

04. In Between Days performed by KITTY KARLYLE

05. Friday I'm In Love performed by DEAN & BRITTA

06. Jumping Someone Else's Train performed by LUFF

07. Boys Don't Cry performed by THE SUBMARINES

08. Close To Me performed by ELK CITY

09. The Walk performed by THE ROSEBUDS

10. Pictures Of You performed by ELIZABETH HARPER & THE MATINEE

11. Let’s Go To Bed performed by CASSETTES WON’T LISTEN

12. Catch performed by DEVICS 13. A Night Like This performed by JULIE PEEL

14. 10:15 Saturday Night performed by THE POEMS

15. A Strange Day performed by GRAND DUCHY (Violet Clark & Black Francis)

16. High performed by THE WEDDING PRESENT

IN STORES ON JANUARY 27th, 2009.

TIM FINN-"The Conversation" Review

TIM FINN-"The Conversation" Review

For nearly 30 years, Tim Finn has been my second favorite vocalist of all time...just a few notches down from Elvis Presley. Hell, I skipped my high school senior prom in '82 just to go see Tim's old band, Split Enz, perform at the Hollywood Palladium (ah, the memories!). So, for me, a new Tim Finn album is always a call for celebration. While I've loved most of his solo work, it's really hard to compare it to the collaborative essence of Split Enz, so I never do. I don't even bother judging it against his other projects like Crowded House, the Finn Brothers or ALT. I look at each album as it's own entity and accept it for what it is: a Tim Finn solo album.

So, with that being said, I was floored by his 2006 effort, Imaginary Kingdom. I felt that IK was even better than his solo debut, Escapade, which I didn't think he'd ever top. This is not to say that his other solo releases haven't been good. I think that a listener attaches themselves to a certain record like an old barnacle and hangs on for dear life. When I heard Imaginary Kingdom, I felt that he had released his best solo work to date and I had found a new home to lay my weary head.

The Conversation, his 2008 release, has found me packing my bags and moving to a new resting spot: Finn has taken the best elements of his songwriting skills, scaled back the production and presented an album so rich with melody that no economic crisis could penetrate this wealthy platter of song. This is by far the best album of the year...and that's no easy feat since 2008 has had some really great releases. It's also the best album in his 25 year solo journey.

The album is warm, comforting and personal but while Tim sings of HIS life, it can often mirror the feelings and thoughts of the listener, creating a virtual 'conversation' between the performer and the audience. While the album's title refers to the interaction of the different musicians playing together, it becomes much more than that when experienced in the comfort of your own home. Former Enz members Miles Golding (violin) and Eddie Rayner (piano) join Tim on this journey and their familiarity with Tim's music allows them to add a personal flavor to this rich stew of haunting melodies. Tim's voice is superb throughout, sounding like a man who has found peace in who he is and is comfortable in his own skin. While 'Out Of This World' is the lead single, there are many other inviting moments that will reach out to anyone looking for a singer/songwriter who offers more than just a new face in an overcrowded market: 'Rear View Mirror', 'The Saw And The Tree', 'Forever Thursday' (which could be a distant cousin of his classic 'Through The Years'), 'Straw To Gold' and more. On the first spin of the album, you'll find some magical moments but the album truly reveals itself with each additional listen and you'll soon find yourself joining in on this Conversation.

So, after 30 years, I'm still a dedicated fan with much respect for the man and his abilities. Tim Finn may be an ordinary man but he has extraordinary talents.