Review of Songs Of Anarchy: Music From Sons Of Anarchy Seasons 1-4 Album by Various Artists

If ever there was a title that told you what you were getting, this is it. Taken from an American drama television series, these tracks are just a sample of those from a show that regularly utilises music to help set the tone.

Various Artists Songs Of Anarchy:  Music From Sons Of Anarchy Seasons 1-4 Album

It's one thing for talent shows to make quick money off of good songs (yes Little Mix and Matt Cardle, this means you), but another thing entirely for relatively unknown artists to tackle genuine classics.

Proceedings begin well with the stomping theme tune to the show, 'This Life', whilst a haunting take on 'John The Revelator' is also commendable. 'House Of The Rising Sun' is also tackled in a decent manner, but there are mixed results for Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young' and 'Girl From The North Country', the former being as charming as the latter is a turn off. A take on 'Gimme Shelter' lacks the commanding vocal needed, whilst anyone looking for a take on Neil Young's 'Hey Hey, My My' would be better advised to look up Noel Gallagher's effort, though this isn't terrible. Unfortunately the same can't be said of this collection's 'What A Wonderful World'. The idea of changing it into a country tune backfires, but then again it is unlikely that any reworking could ever live up to Louis Armstrong's all-time great.

The results on this record vary greatly in quality, but it's a nice opportunity for fans of the show to be able to own these pieces and at no point does it strike of blatant commercialism.

Alex Lai

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