Lyrics To Ride Like The Wind

Buddy Holly tribute album is so easy to love

The timeless songs of a rock 'n' roll pioneer are covered in all sorts of imaginative ways throughout the collection "Rave On Buddy Holly" ( * * * out of four stars, Fantasy), with contributions from Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, Kid Rock, the Detroit Cobras, Cee Lo Green and 14 other notable artists.

Holly wrote and recorded numerous hits before dying at the shockingly young age of 22 in a 1959 plane crash that also killed fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and J. P. (The Big Bopper) Richardson. Holly has influenced countless musicians through the years, starting with the Beatles, who chose the band's name in honor of Holly's band the Crickets.

And having the most fun with Holly's music is none other than the Fab Four's Sir Paul, who goes on a wild ride through "It's So Easy." Utilizing distorted vocals, loud guitars and a good-naturedly randy attitude from start to finish, McCartney takes liberties with the song in delightful fashion. Patti Smith goes in the opposite direction with her exquisite, hymn-like version of "Words of Love," slowing down the tempo and delivering the lyrics with hushed but fervent emotion.

Simply but elegantly constructed, Holly's songs are easily adaptable stylistically, whether they're placed in a garage rock setting by the Detroit Cobras ("Heartbeat") or put through soulful, horn-driven paces by Kid Rock ("Well All Right"). A few of the covers are a bit too staid and fail to make a big impression (Fiona Apple's "Everyday" and She & Him's "Oh Boy!"), but overall there's plenty to rave about on "Rave On."

Americana singer-songwriter Gillian Welch makes a welcome return on her gripping new release "The Harrow & the Harvest" ( * * * *, out Tuesday on Acony), her first in eight years.

Blending folk, traditional country and bluegrass, Welch and her musical partner David Rawlings play quiet, acoustic songs filled with riveting, slice-of-life lyrics. Both are featured on guitar, banjo and harmonica, with Welch on lead vocals, her singing style favoring subtlety and forgoing excess.

"The Way It Goes" is filled with striking imagery not soon forgotten, and the gorgeous ballad "Tennessee" flows along with unhurried grace. "Hard Times" tells a story that's as relevant to the Great Depression as it is to our recession, carrying a powerful message of hope amid despair. Highly recommended.

(Gillian Welch performs at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on July 23.