Radiohead, Wilco, Smiths Collaborate on New Album

ABOVE: 7 Worlds Collide live: Jeff Tweedy leads members of the Smiths and Radiohead through a cover of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees.”

It seems like an unlikely match, putting rootsy alt-country strummers Wilco together with increasingly experimental Brit-Rock noodlers Radiohead and iconic mopers the Smiths, but that is exactly what has happened during the recording sessions for the new album, The Sun Came Out.

The strange musical combination arises as part of the upcoming album by 7 Worlds Collide, the all-star side project of Crowded House leader Neil Finn.

For each edition of the project, Finn enlists an ever-changing cast of musicians for his supergroup.

The latest 7 Worlds Collide roster features a long list on musicians including Johnny Marr (the Smiths, Modest Mouse), Scottish singer KT Tunstall (of “Suddenly I See” and “Black Horse & the Cherry Tree” fame), multi-instrumentalist Lisa Germano and dozens more. The eclectic line-up means the album gives the players a chance to step out of their usual roles. (Although, from what we’ve seen, the band is largely just an expensive cover band.)

Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien appears on The Sun Came Out, but the more surprising Radiohead contribution comes from drummer Phil Selway. Often that popular band’s most overlooked member, Selway handles vocals on a pair of songs for The Sun Came Out.

Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy is plays on much of the album, including a new version of “You Never Know,” the standout lead single from Wilco’s latest effort, Wilco (the Album).

Proceeds from the double-disc album due in stores September 29 will benefit Oxfam.

LISTEN:
7 Worlds Collide-“Fake Plastic Trees” (Radiohead cover w/KT Tunstall)
7 Worlds Collide-“There is a Light That Never Goes Out” (Smiths cover)
7 Worlds Collide-“Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” (Smiths cover)

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