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Ray Davies: See My Friends

Decca

The original versions of these Ray Davies songs are incomparable and it is important to take that into consideration when evaluating this set of remakes. The list of friends who Davies recruits to help rework these songs is ridiculously good: Lucinda Williams, Bruce Springsteen, Spoon and Davies’ current touring band The 88, among others. Black Francis (Frank Black) plays a straight rendition of “This Is Where I Belong” that’s pure alienation and ache. Alex Chilton, before he passed away, and The 88 pull off an energized “‘Til the End of the Day.” Jackson Browne joins Davies for another solid run through one of The Kinks’ leader’s best, “Waterloo Sunset.” A collaboration between Davies and Spoon on “See My Friends” is sublime, but not every guest fits on the album: Metallica’s take on “You Really Got Me” isn’t nearly as good as Van Halen’s classic cover of the song and Bon Jovi’s variation of “Celluloid Heroes” is horrid. But Lucinda Williams can sing anything. This is an album of remakes actually worth owning.