Melodic Rock Records will release Working Class Dogs - A Tribute To RICK SPRINGFIELD, on June 15th.

The story behind the release: The big question is not ‘why pay tribute to Rick Springfield?’, but rather ‘why did it take so long for

someone to do so?’ And when you consider some of the many other tribute albums that have hit the market in recent years, and with Rick’s record of 17 Top 40 hits, it is a confounding question indeed. Thankfully all has been put right with this first ever tribute to one of melodic rock’s most accomplished singer/musician/songwriters.

The album was compiled in two different stages, with the original tracks recorded under the supervision of the album’s architect Shawn Lane and Fastlane Records and coming later, the second stage was five more tracks added under the guidance of Andrew McNeice. Combining both sets of tracks into the perfect running order gives the listener a truly wild ride and results in one of the best and most consistent tribute albums ever.

No one sounds like Rick Springfield. But many love to play his songs. And this tribute to Rick Springfield brings together a whole range of artists to do just that. Many have admired the artist from afar, but several others have actually worked closely with Rick. Case in point is Rick’s own live backing band appearing on the rocking track 'Kristina'.

And friend and long-time collaborator Jeff Silverman appears alongside AOR legend JAMES CHRISTIAN on the original RS/JS tune 'Right Planet Wrong World'. A true indication of a song’s brilliance is that it will translate into other genres without losing any of its original charm. That’s exactly what happens here.

All of the songs on this album have been updated and contemporized, but none of them have lost any of their original zest. You have the rapid fire punk/pop live feel on several tracks like 'Love Somebody', 'Living In Oz', 'Jessie’s Girl'; the polished and mature AOR of 'Stranger In My House' and 'Right Planet Wrong World'; the heartfelt 'Beautiful You' and even the country tinged 'What Kind Of Fool Am I'. And of course the raw energy of 'Souls', 'I Get Excited', 'Carry Me Away' and 'Affair Of The Heart'.

Great performances are needed of course, but at the heart of the matter are some of the best songs Rick Springfield has ever written. This tribute album has something for all Rick fans, no matter what the era. And what other tribute album can boast the center of attraction giving it his seal of approval.

Rick Springfield: “What a cool compilation. I like the song choices and the versions still retain a lot of the original vibe, but have definitely been updated. These versions are a lot more like how we now play the songs live. Great work everyone!”

Tracklisting:

WALTHAM - 'Light Of Love'

AMERICAN ANTHEM - 'Jessies Girl'

HANDSOME DEVIL - 'Love Somebody'

GARY SCHUTT - 'Carry Me Away'

'Carry Me Away'

CJ SZUTER - 'I Get Excited'

MEDDLING KIDS - I''ve Done Everything For You'

TOM CINEFRO & THE RICK SPRINGFIELD BAND - 'Kristina'

ERIC MARTIN & VIC RIVERA - 'Souls'

'Souls'

HARDWAY (with Thom Griffin) - 'Stranger In My House'

JAMES CHRISTIAN - 'Right Planet Wrong World'

'Right Planet Wrong World'

7TH HEAVEN - 'Affair Of The Heart'

STEVE NEWMAN & VINNY BURNS - 'Human Touch'

BRAND NEW MACHINE - 'Calling All Girls'

KEITH LUBRANT - 'Rock Of Life'

PAUL SIDOTI - What Kind Of Fool Am I

MITCH MALLOY & Vinny Burns - 'Tear It All Down'

BARLEY PINK - 'Don't Talk To Strangers'

FIG - 'Wasted'

CLAY HOWARD - 'Beautiful You'

ENDWAY - 'Living In Oz'