Joel Plaskett has been honoured with a secret tribute album titled Songs from the Gang — A Celebration of Joel Plaskett, featuring covers of his music by 22 Canadian artists including Sloan, Arkells, The Sheepdogs, Mo Kenney, Jenn Grant, and Alan Syliboy. The double album was kept under wraps until it was unveiled earlier this week while Plaskett visited Ditch Records in Victoria. The moment left him stunned and emotional as he listened to reinterpretations of his songs by longtime friends and collaborators.
An early gift for his 50th birthday on April 18, the tribute celebrates Plaskett’s three-decade career that began with Thrush Hermit and grew through a prolific solo journey, including 17 albums and a respected role as a producer at his Fang Recording studio in Dartmouth. Each artist brings a unique take to Plaskett’s work—Alan Syliboy infuses Mi’kmaw rhythms into “Nowhere With You,” while Reeny, Haliey, and Micah Smith bring rich harmonies to “Wishful Thinking.”
Sloan, a band instrumental in Thrush Hermit’s early rise, covers “Love This Town,” giving it a nostalgic grunge feel. Chris Murphy of Sloan shared fond memories of late-night conversations with Plaskett in Halifax, describing their friendship and musical journeys as deeply intertwined.
Plaskett called the surprise “mind-boggling,” expressing heartfelt gratitude for the tribute: “To hear them singing it… my heart is really full. It’s an incredible birthday gift.”
Source: Swifteradio.com.
