Review by Deirdre Harrison
1986 was the year of the first computer virus (known was Brian). It was the year the Mir space station was launched. In 1986 the world was given Lady Gaga, while Phil Lynott was taken away; a very unfair trade most would argue. Closer to home, in 1986 the Sound Training Centre in Temple Bar opened its doors for the first time. In recognition of this, current students of the Sound Training Centre have released the album “Silver Lining” with all proceeds going to Headstrong, the national centre for youth mental health. The album features ten top Irish acts covering songs from, you guessed it, 1986.
Opening the album is Superfly ft. Bressie with a brass led cover of the Peter Gabriel hit, “Sledgehammer”. While I wouldn’t go as far as to say it is a bad cover, there is just nothing memorable about this version. For me the main issue is Bressie’s vocals; they just do not work and make the track sound like a bad karaoke performance by a drunken uncle at a wedding.
Thankfully for the most part the album greatly improves from this point on with a fantastic cover of “You’re The Voice” coming from Louize Carroll. Following up is James Vincent McMorrow adding a soulful touch to “Higher Love” like only he can. With such a pure, passionate voice McMorrow could probably cover Mr Blobby and make it meaningful. Paul Noonan’s guest vocals on Superfly’s rendition of “You Can Call Me Al” are flawless and perfectly suited.
While many artists stay true to the original, several of the artists including The Chapters and R.S.A.G. put their own unique stamp on classics. Cast of Cheers in particular stand out in making their cover their own. Their version of “Danger Zone” sounds like it came straight from a SNES game, in the best way possible. If you listen once it will be impossible not to get this synth pounding piece of pop genius out of your head for a very long time.
One of the few downsides to the album is Heathers’ cover of “True Colours”. It sounds exactly how you would imagine Heathers covering “True Colours” would sound; not necessarily a bad thing if you like Heathers. However if you’re not a fan it will just sound like they’re shouting and violently strumming a guitar while murdering Cyndi Lauper.
When viewing the tracklist you can’t help but think some of the covers just should not work; Dublin Gospel Choir doing Bon Jovi is something that should be a disaster, yet somehow it just works perfectly. Similarly a disco, electro infused version of “Dancing On The Ceiling” should be cringe-worthy but This Club make Lionel Richie sound cool.
“Silver Lining” is an album well worth a listen; there is a lot to be said for listening to an album you can sing along with on a first play. It is always interesting to hear artists’ interpretations of well known songs and the majority of the artists featured do a fantastic job. For the bargain price of €8.99 you’re supporting a good cause and getting some catchy tracks.