The Treble Tribute

by Jeff Terich

11.23.2004

By now, you've probably read a few reviews of tribute albums on Treble. You have most likely heard your share of them. And there's a slight possibility that you own one or two. But if you're anything like me, you expect so much more from them. For every great cover there is one horrible one and a half dozen mediocre ones on each tribute album. I, personally, have heard enough of them to know that whoever plans them doesn't challenge themselves into finding more interesting artists. Either that, or the bands they originally asked turned down the offer. Well, I think good covers albums can be done, but they have to be planned carefully and with a good deal of imagination.

With that in mind, here are two tribute albums I've come up with that I think would make great collections. These are just the first in a long series of dream covers that I'll be putting together on this page, but it'll give you an idea of what I think a tribute album should be.

Don't Give Up: Sub Pop Covers The Postal Service

Inspired by my brother's genius idea presented in the news he wrote about the upcoming Postal Service single, this album would be all Sub Pop artists covering the Postal Service. It sounds funny for a band with one album to have all of their songs covered before a follow-up is recorded, but in this case, it just might work. And two of them already exist — Iron and Wine's cover of "Such Great Heights" and The Shins' version of "We Will Become Silhouettes."

Track Listing:

1.The Helio Sequence "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight"

The Helio Sequence seem capable of turning this sleepy single into a danceable arena jam. Their last album sounded like remixed U2, and with any luck, this song could too.

2.Iron and Wine "Such Great Heights"

Already happened, so why not just leave well enough alone?

3.Frausdots "Sleeping In"

This song would make a great dreamy Britpop ditty. Luckily, that's exactly what Frausdots do.

4.The Album Leaf "Nothing Better"

The beepy-boopy Atari sounds of "Nothing Better" sound idiosyncratic on paper if re-constructed by Jimmy Lavalle. But think about it, with a slowed down tempo and Lavalle's warm-sounding Rhodes, this song would be absolutely gorgeous.

5.Low "Recycled Air"

Low's a new addition to the Sub Pop roster and what better way to induct them than with a Postal Service cover?

6.Thermals "Clark Gable"

It's not too hard to imagine this song as a two-chord punk song, nor is it so far-fetched to picture Hutch Harris shouting "I want so badly to believe!"

7.Shins "We Will Become Silhouttes"

You've heard it already. And it was good.

8.Rogue Wave "This Place is a Prison"

Zack Rogue is good enough at writing pretty acoustic songs that he should be capable of covering a slow electronic song without a hitch.

9.Sleater-Kinney "Brand New Colony"

Another new addition to the roster. Carrie Brownstein can play some damn guitar, and could turn the video game hooks of this track into some fierce riffs.

10.Constantines "Natural Anthem"

Uh…I don't really have a good explanation for this one, but trust me, it'd be cool.


The Rain Falls Hard on a Humdrum Town: A Pacific Northwest Tribute to the Smiths

There are at least four existing Smiths tributes and they're all somewhat sub par. Seeing as how so many bands from Seattle and Portland have strong Smiths influences, it only seems logical to put it in their hands.

1.Postal Service "William, It Was Really Nothing"

Imagine this one sounding more like "This Place is a Prison" than "Such Great Heights" and it's an even more fascinating idea.

2.Pretty Girls Make Graves "Pretty Girls Make Graves"

Was this one too obvious?

3.Aveo "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore"

Aveo sound a lot like the Smiths, so a Smiths cover makes perfect sense, even if it isn't the most creative idea.

4.Decemberists "The Boy With The Thorn in His Side"

I've always wondered what the Smiths would sound like with accordion.

5.Menomena "Rubber Ring"

Menomena seems like the sort of band that doesn't do covers, so giving them the least Smiths-sounding song of the batch would be the best way to go. Imagine the possibilities!

6.Doug Martsch "This Night Has Opened My Eyes"

He's covered it live, so recording it can only be the next logical step. With some overdubs, it could end up being a really cool version, if you ask me.

7.Death Cab for Cutie "Bigmouth Strikes Again"

Redemption for botching the lyrics to "This Charming Man" when the band was in their infancy, though really just an excuse to cram Ben Gibbard on here twice.

8.M. Ward "Ask"

Have you heard his cover of "Let's Dance?" This wouldn't be much different, but in my head, it sounds pretty awesome.

9.Sleater-Kinney "What She Said"

They've got the chops to make this track rock out. No question.

10.The John and Spencer Booze Explosion "Never Had No One Ever"

They're a covers-only band so why not have them do another? This song could sound pretty good when paired with drunkenness, so the booze could only enhance it, right?

11.Quasi "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want"

Maybe it's because I've listened to Quasi's "Good Times" a lot, but when it's followed with "for a change," it sounds right when yelped by Sam Coomes.

12.The Shins "Back to the Old House"

The Shins do pretty slow songs, even if they're other people's slow songs. It probably wouldn't be as kitschy as their cover of "Baby Boomerang," but it'd be pretty sweet nonetheless.