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I am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey, VANGUARD

John Fahey was the American equivalent of Davy Graham, a pioneering folk-guitar stylist whose recordings inspired countless imitators and set new standards with their blending of Arabic and Oriental influences into the folk-blues tradition. Co-curated by Vanguard's Stephen Brower and the brilliant young inheritor of Fahey's mantle, M Ward, I am the Resurrection draws together versions of Fahey's tunes by such indie luminaries as Devendra Banhart, Sufjan Stevens, Calexico, Grandaddy's Jason Lytle, Sonic Youth's Lee Ranaldo, and Ward himself. The diversity is testament to Fahey's imagination: Stevens' "Variation on 'Commemorative Transfiguration & Communion at Magruder Park'" uses his layered, multi-instrumental approach, and incorporates a familiar hymn; Calexico's "Dance of Death" interrupts a rolling blues boogie with spooky vibes and melodica; and Ranaldo's "The Singing Bridge of Memphis" is an ambient found-sound collage. More faithful to the original is Peter Case's "When the Catfish is in Bloom", which captures Fahey's distinctive blend of rag and drone.

DOWNLOAD THIS: 'Variation on "Commemorative Transfiguration & Communion at Magruder Park"', 'When the Catfish is in Bloom', 'Dance of Death'