The Punk Scene Comes Together to Pay Tribute to Tony Sly

by Mike Montgomery

Tony Sly’s shocking, sudden death in August 2012 at 41 left a void in the punk scene that will never be filled again. His music inspired so many people from so many different sections of punk; the expectations for this record are almost impossibly high. Still, The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute is a pretty fitting, and often arresting eulogy on behalf of a still-mourning scene.

Sly’s wide-ranging influence is immediately apparent as Karina Deniké’s haunting “A Biggest Lie” opens the compilation. By using little more than her voice, the former Dance Hall Crashers co-vocalist puts Sly’s lyrics at the absolute forefront of her interpretation, creating a hell of a table-setter in the process. It segues nicely into Mad Caddies’ rock-steady version of “AM,” too.

Later on, Tim McIlrath of Rise Against and Jon Snodgrass team up for an acoustic take on “For Fiona.” McIlrath’s stark vocals complementing the more soulful, weathered voice of Snodgrass quite nicely. Frank Turner’s interpretation of “Keira” is smartly thin, as well; it sounds as if it was recorded roadside, with the faintness of cars whirring by accompanying Turner’s gentle voice and guitar. Brian Fallon of the Gaslight Anthem injects some harmonica into “Capo 4th Fret,” adding even more solemnity than his somber vocal take can provide.

Elsewhere, Snuff’s Latin-fueled take on “On The Outside” is an awesome curveball, with infectious rhythms, busy percussion and abrasive horns. The goosebump-inducing, multi-part harmonies of Old Man Markley’s “Feel Good Song of the Year” are also a highlight. Dramatic strings accompany Swingin’ Utters’ version of “Not Your Savior” with positive results.

Even certain bands who influenced Sly and No Use For A Name pay tribute. Bad Religion’s version of “Let it Slide” is relatively straightforward, but hearing Greg Graffin respectfully croon Sly’s lyrics is a lot of fun. NOFX basically make “The Shortest Pier” their own while augmenting the anthem-like nature of the original’s chorus.

Strung Out, whose rise on Fat Wreck Chords was concurrent with that of No Use For A Name, do their best impression on “Soulmate” while also injecting their own slightly heavier, harmonic-heavy sound into its backbone. Lagwagon’s cover of “Discomfort Inn” accomplishes much the same, with Joey Cape, one of Sly’s best friends, sounding more invested than he has in years.

The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute is a triumph, not to mention a surprisingly comprehensive collection and worthy interpretation of Sly’s legacy. It’s sometimes fun, often somber, but always respectful and entertaining.

Joey Cape reappears with Scorpios (who also featured Sly prior to his death) on closer “International You Day,” which lyrically seems sadly relevant now:

Where did I go wrong?
I should have told you from the start
that I’m closer than you think
when we’re apart
nothing that I’ve tried
is as simple as this line

But without you
my life is incomplete
my days are absolutely gray
and so I’ll try
let your heart know for sure
that I have so much more to tell you
every single day

Category: National News