Various Artists

Jem Records Celebrates Ray Davies

(Jem)

The thoroughly enjoyable Jem Records Celebrates Ray Davies is the latest in a series of Jem-released tribute albums that have focused on legendary songwriters (others have included John Lennon, Brian Wilson, Pete Townshend) It utilizes artists on the indie label’s roster (Glen Burtnik of The Weeklings, a onetime member of Styx, comes the closest to being a marquee name here).

Regular listeners of Little Steven’s Underground Garage on SiriusXM might be familiar with some of the participating musicians who Van Zandt has anointed as his “Coolest Song in the World.”

Among the 13 power pop and garage rock-leaning covers, all but two were released by The Kinks in the 1960s. Dennis Diken, drummer for The Smithereens, penned the liner notes, attesting to the genius of Davies and the legendary British band.  

Celebrates Ray Davies gets off to a supercharged start as New York City’s The Midnight Callers put an exciting glam rock spin on “Come Dancing,” complete with heavenly group harmonies. After that standout, The Anderson Council gets all psychedelic during the regal “Do You Remember Walter” (the first of three remakes taken from The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society). TAC also tackle “This is Where I Belong,” boasting a highly appealing Peter Horvath vocal.

Elsewhere, Pittsburgh native Johnathan Pushkar really digs into the insistent “I Gotta Move” and a stomping “David Watts.” The Weeklings adeptly color their take on “Lola” with slide resonator guitar and banjo. The Grip Weeds, comprising two brothers – just like Ray and Dave Davies – do justice to “Where Have All the Good Times Gone,” thanks to some chugging guitars.

Available on CD, black or limited edition Cherry Cola LP, digital: amazon.com, jemrecordings.com.