Tribute to Michael Been

The remaining members of acclaimed California new wave band the Call reunited in early 2013 to pay tribute to their fallen leader, Michael Been. Been, who formed the band in 1980, suffered a fatal heart attack in 2010 while working backstage as a sound engineer for his son Robert Levon Been's band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Throughout the '80s the Call released an impressive seven albums and were known for their passionate, literate, and often political music. The group disbanded in 2000 after the release of their Live Under the Red Moon concert album and Been became active during the following decade working behind the scenes with his son's band. It's fitting, then, that Robert Been would serve as his father's stand-in on this poignant tribute show, which was recorded in April 2013. Robert's moody vocals and steady bass complement the Call's work quite well, and the band turns in stirring renditions of 14 classic songs from its deep catalog. ~ Timothy Monger