Various Artists Rewind! 4
This annual series of transformed vintage soul, reggae and R&B has become a classic itself. […]
This annual series of transformed vintage soul, reggae and R&B has become a classic itself. Chapter four opens with Sharon Jones and Lee Fields making funky “This Land is Your Land” and never has Woody Guthrie‘s folk staple glared with such luster. Like the previous three, Rewind! 4 is a mixed bag, but the strength and uniqueness of certain cuts makes it worthwhile. Willis‘ soulful rendition of Cameo‘s “Word Up!” rules, and a meticulous cover of the White Stripes‘ “7 Nation Army” by Nostalgia 77 takes garage rock out of the head and adds heart. The only rule is to sound old and, obviously, funky. Sometimes a step back really is a few forward.