The Transfiguration of John Fahey

Play it: I Am The Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey
Play it: John Fahey's Original Versions from Tribute
Play it: Return of the Repressed - The John Fahey Anthology
(mostly reassembled from great Rhino compilation)

Any tribute album of John Fahey is bound to fall short of his growing legend. I Am The Resurrection, however, does achieve one very important thing. It makes you want to hear the real thing. With contributions from indie stars like Sufjan Stevens, Devendra Banhart and M. Ward, it's apparent where his influence lies (see Freak Folk Beginnings.)

Naturally, since guitar is the focal point with Fahey, the tribute follows suit (with the exception of Howie Gelb, who understands that Fahey plays guitar like the piano, and thus interprets "My Grandfather's Clock" so succinctly.) Other standout tracks include Pelt's run through "Sunflower River Blues," Calexico's "Dance of Death" and the courageous "When the Catfish is in Bloom" from Peter Case. The rest are a mixed bag (Stevens decides to play up the hymn buried in "Commemorative Transfiguration and Communion at Magruder Park,") mostly reminding you just how good Fahey was at his craft. The tracks selected lack the full range of his catalogue (Native American, Raga, Tibetan chants, sounds of nature, etc.,) and instead focus on what only influenced them (blues picking,) which is fair enough... but it begs a listen to the original 'Blind Joe Death' himself. An excellent compilation is Rhino's Return of the Repressed: The John Fahey Anthology, which isn't in Rhapsody, but I've mostly reassembled here for you (Play it.)

Also listen to selections from the tribute on Myspace.com's site for the album.

tags: playlist, music, folk music, john fahey, sufjan stevens, devendra banhart, pelt, calexico, peter case, howie gelb