Cover bands don’t always get the most respect, but at least a good tribute band knows its place. This month, songwriter/guitarist Willy Mason joins our hypothetical exercise to come up with the ultimate cover band concept. As they say, “This is a tribute!” You've decided to form a tribute band. What’s it called and what band or artist are you covering? Tell us in the comments!
Willy Mason -- Guest Picker
What are you listening to?
Blues and gospel from the ’40s to the ’60s. Alan Lomax is my hero for documenting some of the best American music—just a man, a tape recorder, and a Cadillac. A great compilation of his is I'll Meet You on That Other Shore.
You've decided to form a tribute band. What’s it called and what band or artist are you covering?
Wheels on Fire, a tribute to the Band. I'd get to go through their catalog from when they were the Hawks. Plus, my drummer would have to try to be like Levon Helm, which is a good exercise for anyone.
Christine Greenwald -- Reader of the Month
What are you listening to?
I've been listening to the Led Zeppelin and Alabama Shakes. Brittany Howard's vocals are so honest and passionate and combine so well with the band's unique sound. Any Led Zeppelin—especially my fave, “Kashmir”—always transports me to another realm, without those pesky drugs!
You've decided to form a tribute band. What’s it called and what band or artist are you covering?
I've always wanted to form an all-girl rap group by the name of Run: PMS.
Daniel Dorman -- Video/Photo Editor
What are you listening to?
Silverchair’s Neon Ballroom, Citizen Cope’s The Clarence Greenwood Recordings, and Company of Thieves’ Running from a Gamble.
You've decided to form a tribute band. What’s it called and what band or artist are you covering?
Pom Teddy and the Partbreakers. Does anyone not like Tom Petty? There’s plenty of hits to play, and no crazy outfits or makeup required. Just straight-up classic rock ’n’ roll to get everyone singing along.
Andy Ellis -- Senior Editor
What are you listening to?
Threefifty’s Collapses. Hypnotic phase-pattern guitar duets treated with creative processing and augmented with percussion and violin. Equal parts Explosions in the Sky, Leo Kottke, Francisco Tárrega, and Robert Fripp.
You've decided to form a tribute band. What’s it called and what band or artist are you covering?
The band is Mary, Mary. Drawing from the Paul Butterfield, Super Session, and Electric Flag catalogs, we pay homage to Michael Bloomfield.
Joe Gore -- Senior Editor
What are you listening to?
The World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia in 1970s Nigeria, funky in every sense, and The Authorized Sister Rosetta Tharpe Collection—tunes by the most criminally overlooked rock guitarist ever. Also, St. Vincent’s Strange Mercy, which has more fresh guitar ideas per song than most players have per career.
You've decided to form a tribute band. What’s it called and what band or artist are you covering?
C90 Go!—a tribute to Malcolm McClaren’s other great band, Bow Wow Wow.
Tessa Jeffers -- Managing Editor
What are you listening to?
I just listened to John Mayer for six hours straight, so I figured I better admit it. It was a mix of everything, but I’d never heard the lovely, live Where the Light Is—didn’t know you had that in you, John!
You've decided to form a tribute band. What’s it called and what band or artist are you covering?
Toe Jam, a band performing Pearl Jam’s music barefoot. No pedicures allowed.
