Flashy flashback

The compilations, which first got underway in early 2009, are non-profit promotional albums made up of Lansing rock, indie, metal and experimental bands; some bands are featured on both discs.

“Explosions: Lansing Salutes Devo” and “No More Tomorrow Baby! A Tribute to KISS” will be released Friday at Oade’s Hidden Camel. The CDs are free door prizes at the release show.

Aside from the CD releases, two cover bands will take the stage at Oade’s. Struttin’ Deuces (a KISS cover band), and Re-evolution (a Devo cover band) formed in July specifically for this show. The cover bands are made up of local musicians.

Some of the locals featured on the discs include the Cartridge Family, Narc Out the Reds, Calliope, Cavalcade, Gates of Steel, The Plurals, BerT, Frank and Earnest, Lord Vapid, Hat Madder, Public Pubes, Break-Ups, Stargrazer and MK Ultra Culkin. 

Timmy Rodriguez, a member of GTG, spearheaded the KISS tribute. He said he chose the group for one reason.

“I picked KISS because I have been a fan of them my entire life. I feel they have a bad rap as just being a party rock band. In essence they are, but when it comes down to it they are great songwriters and good musicians,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez didn’t want the songs to be carbon copies of the originals.

“The vibe of the record is a little different from a typical KISS record, which is what I was going for,” he said. “Every artist displays their own style and I feel it is captured very well on this record. It was exactly what I wanted.”

As for the Devo tribute, GTG Recordings’ Tommy McCord said the compilation is a testament to the current scene. McCord is not only releasing the album on his label, but also recorded a handful of the tracks at his home studio.

“(This Devo tribute) is a great representation of the variety of talent lurking throughout our fair capital city,“ McCord said on the GTG blog. “All contributions have a unique perspective.”

KISS/Devo Tribute Night

9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 Oade’s Hidden Camel, 1210 S. Washington Ave., Lansing $5, 21 and over