“Fantastic Voyage: In Tribute, Volume One” 2017. 7″ EP, very limited edition on white vinyl (BoMB variant with linocut cover art by Broke, or Made Better), Jet Plastic Recordings with all profits going to the American Cancer Society. I just received this little 4-song gem of David Bowie covers in the mail right after Christmas and am spinning it on my new rig. Side A has Brother O’Brother with “Life on Mars” (originally on Hunky Dory, 1971) which also appears on their 2017 LP Neon Native, and this track is the reason why I ordered the EP. The track starts starkly lo-fi before exploding into the fuzzed-drenched chorus, a respectful yet uniquely American garage-blues take on the Bowie classic. Also on Side A is Shane Devon covering “Rubber Band” which was one the first songs Bowie ever recorded (1966) and it appeared on his debut album David Bowie (1967). Devon’s cover is a remarkably reverential rendering of the original, complete with a swinging beat and horns; it feels so very 60′s. Side B is Gum performing “Tonight” (written by Bowie and first recorded by Iggy Pop in 1977 for Lust for Life; it later appeared on Bowie’s 1984 LP Tonight with a lilting reggae beat and Tina Turner). Gum’s version reminds me more of Iggy’s than Bowie’s (with a touch of an early aught indie sound à la The Dandy Warhols).  Tyson Meade (from The Chainsaw Kittens and considered the Godfather of Alternative Rock) covers “Fantastic Voyage” from the 1979 album Lodger. Meade’s voice soars richly over his piano playing; this track feels like it belongs on a giant stage production detailing Bowie’s life.