The Dead Line label is renowned for putting out all these tributes to albums, most of which I avoid like the plague, but I really enjoy these Heavy Hitters albums because they cover tracks that you would not think that they would cover. Add to that, I’m a big fan of Mr. Lynch and the band is killer, so it’s a no brainer really.
Inspired choice of opener with a great version of Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer. Bernard Fowler’s vocals add that soulful touch to a heavied up groove, it’s my favourite track. The version of Carry On originally done by CSNY is superb, adding a killer blues groove to the mix. Tough choice in doing a cover of Billy Squire’s The Stroke because the original is such a great rendition but they do an admirable job, it is played just a tad slower and they funk it up in all the right places. Radioactive is a weird choice for me, as Imagine Dragons are way off my radar but you hear the original everywhere and this sounds like a Lynch Mob tune except for that chorus. Smokestack Lightning has been done by tons of bands over the years and as you’d expect, they have beefed it up somewhat with a more heavy funky groove and it sounds awesome. Side 1 closes out with a cover of the old Sam & Dave song Hold On (I’m Coming), and this one’s suitably funked up.
Side 2 starts as Side 1 ends, with another Sam & Dave song Stay With Me where they make full use of the soulful tones of Bernard’s voice. Tears For Fears get the treatment next with a cover of Shout, and this one doesn’t work, it sounds a bit flat. A fairly standard version of Jumping Jack Flash follows with a tasty little solo from George. Sly Stones Thank You slips on in and fits perfectly with the funk theme all over this record. The albums ends with Its A Wonderful Life, the only original on the album where Jeff Pilson takes lead vocal.
