An All-Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd (CD - 2007)

Tributee: Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Personnel: Hughie Thomasson, Rick Derringer, Walter Trout (vocals, guitar); Thane Shearon, Jim Dandy, Jason McMaster, Sky Saxon (vocals); Billy Sherwood (guitar, acoustic guitar, horns, piano, organ, keyboards, background vocals); Hal McCormack, Lee Bogan (guitar); Ed King (slide guitar); Jim Kirby (keyboards); Louis Molino III, Jay Schellen, Joey Covington, Artimus Pyle (drums); Original Honkettes, Leslie Hawkins, Jo Jo Billingsley White (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Billy Sherwood; Larry Goad.

Liner Note Author: Martin Popoff.

Recording information: 4Tune's Studio.

Judging from the tragedy they had to endure and the impressive sting of classic anthems and albums they recorded, Lynyrd Skynyrd certainly warrant the tribute album treatment (although just about every bloody band has been "tributized" by now). And in 2007, they got it -- with the release of the 13-track An All-Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Largely comprised of veteran classic rock acts, there are also a few surprising contributors -- including '80s pop-metal acts Great White and Dangerous Toys. But by and large, it's one big Southern rock fiesta -- as exemplified by readings of "Gimme Back My Bullets" (by Pat Travers), "What's Your Name" (by Jim Dandy's Black Oak Arkansas), and "You Got That Right" (by Rick Derringer) that don't stray far from the originals. Also included is a rendition of "Double Trouble" which features former Skynyrd members Ed King and Artimus Pyle, as well as a laid-back yet groovy version of "That Smell" by Canned Heat. And as expected, Skynyrd's two best known tracks are included as well "Free Bird" (Molly Hatchet with Charlie Daniels) and "Sweet Home Alabama" (The Outlaws) -- but instead of closing the album (as Skynyrd often does in their live shows), they lead off the album. As with all tribute albums, An All-Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd features some keepers, some stinkers, and some that fall somewhere in between. ~ Greg Prato minimize