If you are reading this, then you are probably well-versed in the history and songs of NYC singer/songwriter Jesse Malin. Following his life-changing spinal stroke in 2023, the Ex-D Generation frontman has been unable to tour and earn a living, so his musical brothers & sisters have banded together to help Jesse cover the costs on his road to recovery. The fruits of their labour have produced not one, but two sprawling compilation albums in his honour.

The first, ‘Silver Patron Saints’ released in 2024, featured the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Butch Walker and Billy Joe Armstrong. Now his record label Wicked Cool Records follows suit with the first of two volumes featuring artists who may not carry the same kudos as the aforementioned big hitters, but deliver the same rich quality of music.

Label mates, bandmates, peers and heroes join forces on ‘I Would Do It For You’. This 26-track compilation, produced by Lyle Hysen, crosses genres and generations, each artist giving their interpretation of songs from Jesse Malin’s extensive career.

While most tribute albums are hit and miss, I’m glad to report this one is a good ‘un. Most of these recordings turn the original on its head to give a certain ebb & flow that keeps the listener coming back for more. From country to dance, punk rock and Americana to power pop, all bases are covered. Standouts for RPM readers would be Hanoi Rocks legend Sami Yaffa giving ‘Black Haired Girl’ an unusual reggae twist, Prima Donna right at home with a punked-up ‘Everybody Wants To Rock N Roll’, and Valley Lodge delivering a power pop rendition of D Generation’s brooding ‘Too Loose’, with killer doo-wop backing vocals and throbbing bass to boot.

Elsewhere, Gogol Bordello bring their gypsy punk craziness to ‘Here’s The Situation’, Randy Schrager turns ‘Burning The Bowery’ into a laid-back, lo-fi affair and Stephen Chopek strips ‘High Lonesome’ bare, with just a strummed acoustic and an emotive vocal.

The ladies of the music world have stepped up to the cause too. Album opener ‘Shining Down’ is a euphoric delight, Amanda Cross adding countrified Tom Petty-style vibes to a Malin classic. URSA MINOR deliver a faithful rendition of ‘Keep On Burning’ and Bebe Buell melds dance beats and electronica with sultry vocals on ‘Dance To The System’.

There is a lot to take in on a 26-song collection, but there are more standouts on the first few listens than there are duds. Davey La gives a memorable and upbeat version of ‘Ameri’ka’, and James Maddock elevates ‘Bar Life’, swapping piano out for acoustic guitars and a raspy, 20-a-day cigarette habit vocal. The Dead Milkman offer up another interesting twist with ‘She Don’t Love Me Now’, a gothic, new wave makeover was not on the cards, but there we go. Nashville country style is represented by Robinlee Garber and Kelly Swindell on ‘Cigarettes & Violets’ and ‘You Know It’s Dark When Atheists Start To Pray ’, respectively.

Available as a double CD and a vinyl version with just 12 choice cuts, ‘I Would Do It For You’ is a fitting tribute that not only shines as an album in its own right, but showcases the songwriting talents of a much-loved soul who has a knack for a catchy tune and a way of writing stories about characters, love and life that few can match.

There are probably a dozen or so artists here you’ve never heard before, and maybe through this release you will find your new favourite band. That’s how it works sometimes. But I digress, that’s just a bonus. Shine on Jesse Malin on his road to recovery, and if you can spare the loose change to purchase any or all formats of this album, then do it, every sale helps towards his recovery.

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Author: Ben Hughes