Various Artists: Gigantic: A Tribute to Kim Deal

This new compilation from American Laundromat gathers 13 different takes on Breeders songs by Kim Deal. Stylistically, the bands on display here stick closely to the dynamics of the original material. This is especially true of tracks like “Cannonball” by the Wheelers. Theirs is probably the least interesting update on the record, although the song itself ends up no worse for the wear. More stimulating is the fever pitch of “The She” by Witch Hats, a rendition that’s striking for an unhinged vocal and its searing guitar stabs. Elsewhere, the Nuevos’ “Invisible Man” stands out for its Guided By Voices-styled “band in a can” production values and tight minimalism. Other highlights include Descartes a Kant’s romp through “I Just Wanna Get Along” and Francine’s glassy-eyed version of “Off You”. A welcome tribute to one of the true icons of American music.