Poppn’ Up

*** Various artists, “Till the Night Is Gone: A Tribute to Doc Pomus,” Rhino. Pomus was a songwriting marvel--able to turn out lightweight rock hits (Fabian’s “Turn Me Loose”), yet gifted enough to write such memorable ballads as the Drifters’ “Save the Last Dance for Me.”

Pomus, who died of cancer in 1991 at age 65, was loved for years on the New York music scene as much for his generous spirit as his music--and it’s a tribute to him (and frequent collaborator Mort Shuman) that such respected figures as Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Los Lobos would record new versions of his songs for this benefit album.

Most memorable track: Shawn Colvin’s dark, eerie version of “Viva Las Vegas.”