See My Friends

Audio Mixer: Mike Crossey.
Photographer: Ian Brodie.
Arranger: Ray Davies .
A tribute album starring the man of honor himself, who also curated the whole affair, See My Friends is a bit of a curious creature. Certainly, Ray Davies' influence is so pervasive he could rope in a number of heavy hitters from a number of different generations. Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen sign up for duets; Metallica backs the legend on a rip through "You Really Got Me," while Spoon offers suitably spacy support on "See My Friends"; Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora harmonize on a languid "Celluloid Heroes," and Black Francis comes in to sing "This Is Where I Belong," a song he covered with gusto some 16 years earlier. As it turns out, "This Is Where I Belong" provides a good indication of the energy level of See My Friends in general: the older dudes are comfortable playing with Ray while the newer dudes are respectful, delivering amiably mannered performances. It's all pleasant enough, but it's hard not to wish that more of the record had the kick of "Til The End of the Day," where the late Alex Chilton seems genuinely enthused to sing with his idol. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine