Guilt By Association (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

The concept here is for indie-rock artists to cover their guilty pleasures, pop songs that are unashamedly pop and performed by mainstream musical acts often critically ridiculed. Technically, Blue Oyster Cult and Oasis, both critically acclaimed groups, don’t belong here. However, former-Minutemen Mike Watt’s solid take on “Burnin’ For You” forgives this indiscretion, while Devendra Banhart might have done well to pick something other than Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” a tune he loses in his quirkiness. Petra Haden does an ear-raising acapella rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Former Miracle Legion singer Mark Mulcahy keeps the hooks intact for Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On.” Bonnie “Prince” Billy uses cheap, machine-like drumbeats and ancient synthesizers to bring Mariah Carey’s “Can’t Take That Away” to life. The usually somnambulant Luna turn up the attack for a rock flavored rendition of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.” Jim O’Rourke can’t quite replicate the smooth grooves of the Spice Girls’ “Viva Forever,” however, much like all the covers here, he makes you rethink about songs that otherwise might have gone overlooked.