In 1959, Buddy Holly died in a plane crash aged 22. In September he would have been 75. It’s a sign of his enduring talent that 52 years after his death, a tribute album featuring some fantastic artists has been released.
Even the most casual music lover will know Buddy Holly’s music even if from its use in movies and television adverts. On ‘Rave On Buddy Holly’, his music has been updated and given an once over.
The tribute starts with The Black Keys doing ‘Dearest’ and they keep the production sparse in a late fifties style. Fiona Apple shows what an under rated talent she is with her vocal contribution to ‘Everyday’ with Jon Brion. It seems that these tracks were easing us into the album. ‘It’s So Easy’ is given a slowed down rocky treatment by none other than Paul McCarthey.
The contributors to this tribute reads like a who’s who. Stand out tracks for these ears include Cee Lo Green doing a sublime ‘You’re So Square’ and Florence & The Machine giving ‘Not Fade Away’ the once over. But then you can’t miss Julian Casablancas version of Rave On or Patti Smith doing ‘Words of Love’.
Even if you don’t know much about Buddy Holly, this album will be a delightful addition to your collection. You’ll be surprised how many of these songs you actually know and the range of artists on this album shows the influence of the spectacled one.
A fitting tribute to one of Rock n Roll’s greats. R.I.P. Buddy Holly