VARIOUS ARTISTS
Every Word - A Tribute To
Let's Active (Laughing Outlaw)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Mitch Easter is a musician's musician, but why he wasn't also one of the elite stars of the 80s, I haven't a clue. His songs had hooks from here to Christmas and you couldn't get them out of your head. I can only conclude that far too few people got a chance to hear them. Those who did get excited at the mere mention of the words "Let's Active," Easter's band. You don't find many who remember the music but are indifferent. This CD unites 20 bands who completely get Mitch and have probably been itchin' to record one of his songs for years. The lineup is strong, with names like King Killowatt, The Saving Graces, Girls Say Yes, King Fly and Bill Lloyd, among others, but let's face it, Mitch Easter wrote these songs so well even N-Sync would be hard pressed to fuck 'em up. Only "Last Chance Town" falls flat, and only because Spike Priggen slowed it way down and took the barb out of the hook. Had I not known and loved the original, I'd probably think it was a nasty thang worth a second listen. It's hard to live up to the standards set by Mitch Easter, a guy who was instrumental launching many other careers in the 80s and 90s, including those of Love Tractor, Suzanne Vega, Helium and R.E.M.. Then again, most of these artists seem up to the task and even inspired by their subject matter, something often lacking in this age when tribute albums spring up so often it seems the bands barely know a thing about who they're there to pay tribute to. Hopefully Mitch Easter has heard it and appreciates what his influence has created.

© 2003 - DJ Johnson