[2/5]
The concept of the Guilt By Assocation compilation-well-respected underground artists covering their guilty-pleasure songs-isn't new. (Just consider how many indie rockers covered Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" in concert last year.) And so while the lack of originality alone isn't enough to dismiss this collection, the lack of truly inspired tunes on it certainly is. In fact, Guilt has less to do with whether you like the songs covered-and much more to do with whether you dig the styles of the bands on the album. Luna's take on Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" is a woozy, soul-jazz seduction song; Mike Watt turns Blue Öyster Cult's "Burnin' For You" into a smoky, blues-punk dirge; and Superchunk transform the Destiny's Child number "Say My Name" into a fuzzy, noisy rock nugget. Other moments-in particular Will Oldham's lo-fi electro-folk take on Mariah Carey's "Can't Take That Away" and Goat's Postal Service-y rendition of Fall Out Boy's "Sugar We're Going Down"-are also delightful; but otherwise, too many covers are completely forgettable. (ENGINE ROOM) Annie Zaleski
 Official Website: http://www.engineroomrecordings.com
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