Lowe Profile: A Tribute to Nick Lowe
Labour of Love, the other widely available tribute to the music of Nick Lowe, counted Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, and Dar Williams among its contributors. The hitters onLowe Profile--a two-disc set covering, in the words of executive producer Walter Clevenger, "rock, pop, blues, country, and soul--and that's just the first five songs on disc one!"--aren't quite as heavy. But that's a plus, not a minus, as it allows the diversity of Lowe's songwriting to take center stage. Each of his periods is represented by a standout track. His Brinsley Schwarz bandmate Ian Gomm, who cowrote "Cruel to Be Kind," turns in a heartfelt version of the song accented by some delicious George Harrison-esque slide guitar, and Foster & Lloyd reunite after 15 years to put a smooth country spin on the Rockpile-era "Without Love." Other highlights include Greg Trooper's soulful, Wurlitzer-tinged take on "What's Shaking on the Hill" (the centerpiece of 1990'sParty of One) and a rockabilly reimagining by James Intveld ofDig My Mood's "Lonesome Reverie." Nothing can substitute for new music by the Basher, but these 30 tracks might be just enough to hold those who've been waiting four years for a follow-up toThe Convincera little while longer.--Benjamin Lukoff