As mortals, it’s only natural that we contemplate our demise. How will I be remembered? How will my passing be marked? When No Use For A Name frontman Tony Sly left this plane of existence, the global punk rock community seemed to come to a screeching stop.
Review: Various Artists – The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute
National Music Reviews
Various Artists
The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute
Fat Wreck Chords
Street: 10.29.13
The Songs of Tony Sly = A deserving Tribute, and send-off.
As mortals, it’s only natural that we contemplate our demise. How will I be remembered? How will my passing be marked? When No Use For A Name frontman Tony Sly left this plane of existence, the global punk rock community seemed to come to a screeching stop. For those of us who lived for cheap Fat Wreck Chords compilation CDs and were so excited to find out about bands, Tony Sly was front and center of a band that created an escape through a gateway of fast tempos and lyrics of anger and alienation that felt as if they were directed straight at me. The incredible lineup of artists on this record is a testament to how far and deep of an impact Sly’s songs have made. Each track drips with an earnestness and a clear motivation to bring their A-game and pay respect to Sly’s songs. The first track, “Biggest Lie” by Karina Denike is a haunting and beautiful rendition, and it really sets the tone for the record. The real tribute is that these songs transcend—no matter who performs them, or whether they’re played on banjos or slowed down to ballads. Tony Sly could only be happy to see what his friends and contemporaries have achieved with these songs in his honor. –James Orme
The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute
Fat Wreck Chords
Street: 10.29.13
The Songs of Tony Sly = A deserving Tribute, and send-off.
As mortals, it’s only natural that we contemplate our demise. How will I be remembered? How will my passing be marked? When No Use For A Name frontman Tony Sly left this plane of existence, the global punk rock community seemed to come to a screeching stop. For those of us who lived for cheap Fat Wreck Chords compilation CDs and were so excited to find out about bands, Tony Sly was front and center of a band that created an escape through a gateway of fast tempos and lyrics of anger and alienation that felt as if they were directed straight at me. The incredible lineup of artists on this record is a testament to how far and deep of an impact Sly’s songs have made. Each track drips with an earnestness and a clear motivation to bring their A-game and pay respect to Sly’s songs. The first track, “Biggest Lie” by Karina Denike is a haunting and beautiful rendition, and it really sets the tone for the record. The real tribute is that these songs transcend—no matter who performs them, or whether they’re played on banjos or slowed down to ballads. Tony Sly could only be happy to see what his friends and contemporaries have achieved with these songs in his honor. –James Orme
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