By Ken Paulson
It’s the rare album cover that makes me laugh out loud, but the new release from John Wesley Harding perfectly mimics ABBA’s “Gold” record. Given that “Greatest Other People’s Hits” is a covers record, it raises hope for a version of “Waterloo.” Its absence is the only disappointment in a collection of Odds and Sods (ancient Who reference) that manages to be both a lot of fun and genuinely moving.
Much of the album is derived from earlier recordings made for tribute albums and anthologies. The range is remarkable, including Madonna’s “Like A Prayer,” Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe.” Phil Och’s “Another Age” and George Harrison’s “Wah Wah.”
The jaunty cover of “Star” from Stealer’s Wheel” is a special track, as are the two Bruce Springsteen covers “Jackson Cage” and “Wreck on the Highway,” with Bruce on harmony.
Highly recommended.