While
Donovan was (type) cast as the mystical, hippy druid to
Bob Dylan's rural-rooted, visionary shaman, the British entry deserves this tribute disc painstakingly assembled by Vancouver's Nettwerk Productions.
Sixteen performers from four countries and a dizzying range of musical backgrounds (Irish reggae to B.C. sludge-rock) all converge on Island Of Circles. Although these alternative-music tribute recordings are usually inconsistent, what unifies this project is that most participants -- rather than just smashing out a cover as a lark -- show a genuine affection (if not reverence) for their subject. Britain-based Brix Smith redeems herself with a passionate, angelic rendition of "Hurdy Gurdy Man," easily besting
Sarah McLachlan's competent "Wear Your Love Like Heaven" in the disc's solo female vocal stakes. ~ Roch Parisien