Laguna Tunes profiles the early career of label owner/producer/multi-instrumentalist Kenny Laguna, who is best known for his two-decade collaboration with Joan Jett as well as cofounding Blackheart Records. The compilation includes rare and previously unreleased tracks with productions and/or performances by Laguna, ranging from bubblegum pop like the Morticians' version of "Donna the Prima Donna" and Moose & the Pelicans' "We Rockin'" to disco-inspired novelties like the Dana & Gene/Ellie Greenwich number "Dario (Can You ...
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Laguna Tunes profiles the early career of label owner/producer/multi-instrumentalist Kenny Laguna, who is best known for his two-decade collaboration with Joan Jett as well as cofounding Blackheart Records. The compilation includes rare and previously unreleased tracks with productions and/or performances by Laguna, ranging from bubblegum pop like the Morticians' version of "Donna the Prima Donna" and Moose & the Pelicans' "We Rockin'" to disco-inspired novelties like the Dana & Gene/Ellie Greenwich number "Dario (Can You Get Me Into Studio 54)." Several of the songs are eclectic collaborations; a prime example is the Andy Warhol-penned "Lonesome Cowboys," which features electro-funk whiz Meco, the Irving Spice Strings, the Tradewinds, singer/songwriter Bobby Bloom, and actress Sissy Spacek. Only slightly less bizarre is the combination of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, the Beach Boys, and Darlene Love on the Led Zeppelin parody "Good Music." Jett & the Blackhearts also appear on "Let's Do It," a more logical collaboration with Bad Religion's Greg Graffin. Laguna Tunes' other highlights include Bill Medley's "Makin' My Way," Darlene Love & the Blossoms' "Make a Change," Bow Wow Wow's "Louis Quatorze," Tony Orlando & Wind's "In the Name of Happiness," and the Laguna solo track "Home for Christmas." With 22 wildly eclectic songs spanning disco, rock, oldies, pop, and punk, Laguna Tunes paints an entertaining -- if scattered -- portrait of one music's most diversified players. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi
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