After the lack-luster response to TESLA’s modern sounding 2003 “comeback” album “Into The Now” , I wasn’t enthusiastic upon hearing of a covers CD. Between POISON, DEF LEPPARD, LA GUNS, AEROSMITH, GREAT WHITE, Michael Schenker (three!), STYX, WARRANT, RUSH, George Lynch (pheww!); everybody seemed to be doing one. The concept seems almost cliché, and those who venture could be treading on the thin ice of a pointless exercise. And so with some reluctance, I delved into “Real To Reel” . Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. The track list is an interesting selection of vintage 70’s hard rock gems, with the exception of the played out “Honky Tonk Woman” and “Bell Bottom Blues” (two tracks that are still in heavy classic rock radio rotation and desperately need to be retired.) But that still left me with 11 relatively fresh choices. Cool.

Now, no one is expecting Jeff to hit the Gillan screams in “Space Truckin’,” so that’s not the point. What you get instead is a sincere, TESLA-fied run-through of childhood influences, with all the love and respect they deserve. Everything sounds urgent and vital, with obvious attention being paid to finding the proper tones, etc. for the quickly recorded analog sessions. According to the great liner notes, most tracks were done with minimal takes and overdubs, preserving the vibe of “live in the studio.” Using vintage equipment was the right way to go about it, and the efforts definitely paid off. Classic arrangements were kept primarily in tact, but given just enough band personality to make them interesting.

While the single is the nicely executed “Thank You,” combining the Zeppelin II original with the contemporary Page/Plant version, my lead off choice would have been “Ball Of Confusion.” Originally a TEMPTATIONS number, TESLA gives it a hefty injection of testosterone, turning it into a funk-heavy rocker, something akin to what Glenn Hughes might deliver. Probably the most altered number in the collection and, in turn, completely satisfying.

New guitarist Dave Rude is a strong showing, appearing to meld right in with founding guitarist Frank Hannon. He seems to understand the TESLA formula, and the role Tommy Skeoch played in the band. Troy Luccketta must be having a blast, getting to tackle some unorthodox styles, from the constant Ian Paice fills to the relentless drive of Brian Downey. As for the vocals, I was actually surprised to learn it was indeed Jeff Keith singing on “Walk Away.” Through most of the record he sounds just as you remember, but on this track he utilizes a seldom heard “clean voice”; very different from his usual rasp and another nice asset the band should consider using more often. With all this obvious fun being captured on tape, hopefully TESLA will take this organic energy back into the studio for their next go-around of original material. (Not dissimilar to how Kevin DuBrow’s explosive 70’s tribute sparked one of QUIET RIOT’s strongest efforts to date with their retro-flavored “Rehab” .)

Although 1 star needs to be deducted for the un-originality of doing a covers CD in the first place, “Real To Reel” is an inspired tribute to some lesser-known yet true classics. If this is what it takes for the uninitiated to discover the origins of hard rock, so be it. For the rest of us, any excuse to listen to strong renditions of THIN LIZZY and UFO songs is fine with me. I’m anxiously looking forward to “Reel 2”, which is only available for free with purchase of a ticket during TESLA’s summer tour. More incentive should not be needed.