Various Artists
Confuse Yr Idols
Making a tribute album is about as necessary as remaking a classic movie. You know the best the remaker can do is to make it as good as the original was, and this rarely happens. Narnack Records has tossed its hat into the ring and ended up with an album of mixed results. Confuse Yr Idols features the likes of Elf Power, Racebannon, Twink, Steel Pole Bath Tub, Brystl, Tub Ring, Stationary Odyssey, Rapider Than Horsepower, KY Prophet, Parts & Labor, and Saicobab (which features Yoshimi from the Boredoms).
Half the material is faithful to the Sonic Youth originals and the other half try for something different. Twink’s version of “Cinderella’s Big Score” is played on toy piano and I think compliments SY’s experimental tendencies by incorporating these new sounds to the mix. This is my favorite track on here. Stationary Odyssey’s version of “Dirty Boots” sounds like it was recorded on downers, otherwise its faithful to the original. Rapider Than Horsepower offer up a nice quiet version of “Little Trouble Girl,” which is a nice addition among all the noise.
Most often, tribute albums are hit or miss, and this one is no different. If you a fan of the artists who cover the songs on this album, probably you’ll want to pick it up, but otherwise you’re probably better off getting the originals.