​The Band of Heathens (from the album Remote Transmissions Volume One

​The Band of Heathens (from the album Remote Transmissions Volume One on BOH Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)

Albums built around classic songs are nothing of course. The trend can be traced back more than 60 years, especially if one considers the classic Everly Brothers effort ‘Songs Our Daddy Taught Us’, a collection of Classic Country songs that provided the firmament for Don and Phil’s initial inspiration.
 
While some may see it as redundant, it’s really more of a manifestation of age-old admiration and proof that indeed, great songs will always stand the test of time. It doesn’t matter from which era they were borne; a memorable melody never goes out of style.
 
It’s no surprise, then, that certain songs invariably provide comfort, stability and cause for nostalgia, especially during times of anxiety and uncertainty. Music and memories intertwine, forming a soundtrack for life itself. Consequently it was only natural that when The Band of Heathens were forced off the road and confined to their individual enclaves, they chose to revisit some of their favorite songs and share them with some of their favorite fellow artists.
 
The origins of the album, Remote Transmissions Volume One, evolved out of a podcast The Band of Heathens were hosting, specifically a segment of the show that found them interviewing other artists. With a line-up that included Margo Price, Todd Snider, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Nicki Bluhm, Hayes Carll, and Charlie Starr, they were well equipped to let both preferences and passions take charge, and take them where they will.
 
That said, the musicians made no effort whatsoever to reinvent or rework the originals. All of the songs — many of them familiar favorites such as Little Feat’s “Rock and Roll Doctor”, Bob Seger’s “Night Moves”, the classic Motown standard from the Temptations “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”, Tom Petty’s “Walls”, Bob Dylan’s “The Man in Me”, Marty Robbins’ “El Paso City”, and Guy Clark’s restless ballad “L.A. Freeway” — remain true to their templates and their formative feel. Likewise, there are also a few surprises tossed in the mix, including an otherwise obscure selection by The Rolling Stones, that being Keith Richards’ tattered Blues ballad “You Got the Silver,” rendered here with the same ragged resilience.

Ultimately, Remote Transmissions serves as more than a merely a mixtape, although it certainly serves that purpose well. Rather, it’s a credit to the band’s credence as well as an apt reminder that music is always essential. With the promise of a Volume Two, The Band of Heathens are clearly committed to the idea that the connection should continue. (By Lee Zimmerman)
 
 
Listen and buy the music of The Band of Heathens from their website
 
For more information, please visit The Band of Heathens website

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