Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By North Carolina artists go undercover to benefit Cat’s Cradle, Independent/Bandcamp 2020.
This album is similar to Situationchicago except this time its 25 North Carolina Artists who are raising funds to save the iconic Cat’s Cradle venue in Carrboro, North Carolina.
There are a number of things about this album that I love.
Firstly, the name, it’s a nice play on the familiar ‘No Cover Charge’ sign that we’re all familiar with.
However this time the money is desperately needed so there is a cover charge.
Although the album concept is similar to the Chicago one, I love the differences between the two albums.
Once again the musical offerings cover multi genres however this time all the songs are covers.
Each performer or group were asked to perform a cover version of one of their favourite songs and there are some wonderful selections on the disc.
You get everything from American standards to songs that are completely new to me.
Mandolin Orange’s version of Boots of Spanish Leather is beautiful as is Skylar & Eric Bachmann’s All I Have To Do Is Dream.
Faith Jones does a great version of For What It’s Worth but every track is a delight.
Southern Culture On The Skids do an interesting variation of the Bryan Ferry classic Let’s Stick Together retitled Let’s Work Together which sums up the spirit of this disc.
Mount Moriah do a lovely version of Don’t Let It Bring You Down.
This album is full of wonderful interpretations of other people’s songs.
Cover Charge is generally a quieter album than Situationchicago.
Each presents examples of the musical feel of the locality.
Chicago is a grittier place than North Carolina and we can visit them both through the music on these two albums.
