Rating: NN
Tribute albums typically fall into two categories: strange mixes of unrelated contributors designed to introduce the honouree to a broader audience, or reverential gatherings of likeminded contemporaries or accolytes paying respects by singing the artist’s familiar songs as much like the original as possible.
The Gift is an example of the latter variety, and though it may be perfectly pleasant to hear Gordon Lightfoot revisit Red Velvet, Blue Rodeo croon Four Strong Winds and Chris Hillman swing through What Does She See, the results are too predictable. A little creativity would’ve made for a more exciting set without straying from the rootsy concept.
Why not have Zachary Richard overhaul Tyson’s Eighteen Inches Of Rain Acadian-style, or let Creaking Tree String Quartet give the chamber-grass treatment to Magpie? And imagine what Rufus Wainwright could’ve done with Cowboys Don’t Cry.
