Various Artists, “Brace Yourself: A Tribute to Otis Blackwell”, <i> Shanachie</i>

The tack that producer Jon Tiven has taken in this homage to the veteran composer of some of rock’s biggest hits is perhaps the most revealing of several possible routes open to him: He’s assembled a wide range of contemporary artists to do new versions of rock classics as well as some of Blackwell’s lesser-known tunes. The lineup, spanning genres and decades, includes Graham Parker, Chrissie Hynde, Frank Black, Dave Edmunds, Kris Kristofferson, the Smithereens, Joe Ely, Tom Verlaine and Ronnie Spector. And that’s only about half the list.

Besides showing what an economic lyricist and inventive melody writer Blackwell was, the album demonstrates how important his songs remain to a wide range of contemporary musicians. Blackwell, who was left paralyzed by a stroke in 1991, had no bigger champions than Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. And covering their material is always a challenge. But Graham Parker kick-starts the album by applying his scowl to “Paralyzed,” a minor hit for the King in 1957. Frank Black is joined by ex-Sex Pistols/Rich Kids member Glen Matlock for a suitably reckless version of “Breathless.” Ely duets with Sue Foley on an earthy “Great Balls of Fire.”

It may be stating the obvious to point out the mismatch between Deborah Harry and “Don’t Be Cruel”--she can’t sustain a note, or a song, to save her life. But a belly-flop like that makes Edmunds’ magnificent one-man rendition of “Return to Sender” all the more remarkable for the way it perfectly captures that song’s snappy charm.

With half the proceeds from album sales going to Blackwell, it makes what is already an artistic joy ride doubly worth a recommendation.