John Wicks initially entered the public eye in the late ’70s as singer, songwriter and guitarist for the Records. Although the British band sired only a couple of minor hits – “Starry Eyes” and “Teenarama” – their top-tier take on jangly power pop has earned eternal devotion from music aficionados far and wide.
After a move to Los Angeles, Wicks was preparing material for a new album in 2018 when he unfortunately passed away from cancer – a gloomy day for his many admirers. Rather than allow the project to remain unfinished, however, a group of musical peers got together to add their own spin to the songs.
Produced by Jamie Hoover of Spongetones fame, For the Record: A Tribute to John Wicks (Kool Kat Musik) features an impressive line-up whose respect for John’s work is readily evident.
Ray Paul launches the program off with the perky shuffle of “The Sun Sets Over London Town,” and then there’s Peter Case hopping and bopping on “In & Out Motel,” while “Repo Man” from Jamie Hoover crackles to a grinding edge.
Al Stewart’s meticulously melodious pipes prove to be perfectly suited for the grand and glistening “Beltway,” where Carla Olson’s sturdy Southern-scented vocals guide “(The Sordid Tale) of Elvis Strange,” an eerie essay dotted with splashes of raga-rock riffage.
Bill Berry pours forth piles of peppy hooks on “1-800-Colonoscopy,” and For the Record closes with Nick Guzman’s emotive performance on the absolutely stunning “Chasing Angels,” which commences to the sound of crisp acoustic guitars before expanding into a display of haunting church-like choruses.
For the Record: A Tribute to John Wicks is a thoughtful homage to a fellow who always followed his heart. John would definitely be touched by the care these talented artists put into keeping his music and spirit alive.
- Why Aerosmith Finally Broke Through With ‘Get Your Wings’ - March 5, 2024
- How ‘The Birds, the Bees and the Monkees’ Blew Away Their Pre-Fab Image - April 10, 2023
- Steve Howe Made a Colorful, Quite Surprising Debut With Tomorrow - February 20, 2023
