Jem Records has been around since the early 1980s, as one of the great indie rock labels. Since 2020 they’ve been celebrating the masters of rock, and all are fine tribute compilations.

Marty Scott, the president of Jem, was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

Andrea Weiss: How did the album come together?

Marty Scott: Jem Records Celebrates Ray Davies is the fourth in a series of albums celebrating the greatest writers in rock. I started in 2020 with John Lennon, followed by Brian Wilson in 2021 and Peter Townshend last year.

AW: Did the artists choose the songs, were they assigned, or some of both?

MS: The artists choose the track(s) they want to record. I may make a suggestion or discuss the song, but in the end it's their decision.

AW: Did the bands feel comfortable with the songs they recorded?

MS: They picked the track they wanted to record and turned in a great rendition. Everyone was very happy with their recordings.

AW:Each band really put their own stamp on these songs, which is great. How did each band approach doing that?

MS: You would have to ask the artists themselves for answers.

AW: Does Ray Davies know about the project?

MS: We do not contact the artists when doing these albums. They find out, one way or another. We did hear from Brian Wilson's people that he liked it.

AW: Would you say this album is a good introduction to the Kinks if, say, someone young had never heard them before?

MS: It’s a good introduction, but I would suggest the person also purchase The Kinks Greatest Hits to hear their versions.