Various Artists – Lowe Profile: A Tribute To Nick Lowe

There’s some small irony that Nick Lowe’s biggest windfall during his storied career came with Curtis Stigers’ bludgeoned version of “(What’s So Funny About) Peace, Love And Understanding” for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard. The 30 covers on this two-disc tribute won’t bring Lowe the same payday, but he’d likely be pleased with the artistic results, as will fans of roots and pure-pop sounds.

Curator Walter Clevenger has done a terrific job matching up tunes with fellow Lowe lovers. Strong from start to finish, this salute offers frequent instances where the new renditions build successfully upon the original. Foster & Lloyd reunite to bring out the Everly-like twang in “Without Love”. “Marie Provost” receives a bluegrass makeover from the Los Angeles band Tipsy Jack. Don Dixon and Greg Trooper imbue their selections (“True Love Travels On A Gravel Road” and “What’s Shaking On The Hill”, respectively) with a rootsy soulfulness, while Rick Shea and Christy McWilson turn “Never Been In Love” into a honky-tonk duet. Punk-popster Kim Shattuck (from the Muffs) delivers an unexpectedly gentle “You Make Me”, which segues wonderfully into a revved-up “I Don’t Want The Night To End” by Scott McCaughey’s Lowe Beats (his Nick Lowe cover band).

Lowe Profile triumphantly spotlights the songwriter’s penchant for catchy hooks, witty lyrics and even heartfelt sentiment. It’s a testament to his deep catalogue that only three tunes here overlap with an earlier Lowe salute, 2001’s Labour Of Love.