Tesla undertook a unique idea in releasing their latest offering - a covers album called Real to Reel. Filled with music that inspired the band to become who they are, it covers territory from Deep Purple, the James Gang, the Guess Who, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Robin Trower, the Temptations, UFO, Uriah Heep, Derek and the Dominoes, the Rolling Stones, and Traffic, and it makes a great case that when a band is really, truly honest about their influences with such a covers album, the sum is, if not necessarily greater, at least nearly as great as the parts - both in the case of the music they present and the band themselves.

Real to Reel 2 is the completion of the set that came out earlier in the summer. The tracks were listed right there on the package with the first disc, along with a space for that missing second disc, but with a warning that to obtain said disc, for free, would require getting to one of their concerts. Neat concept - free music with your ticket. The band sees ticket sales rise and concert-goers get something extra, "free" with every show. Unfortunately, it's not a very logical way to do things. If the band were to hit every city in every state, there would be ample opportunities for fans to grab these discs. Realistically, however, most bands simply can't do that. It was inevitable that disc 2 would find its way to store shelves, and this week is that week. The nice thing is that, instead of receiving Real to Reel 2 in a plain, artwork-less jewelcase like concert-goers did, the disc comes in a digipak with artwork that compliments Real to Reel 1. So, in a way, while you may have gotten the tunes early, you kind of missed out on something getting this disc at concerts.

And the music on Real to Reel 2? Covers of Mott the Hoople, Montrose, Bad Company, the Rolling Stones, Alice Cooper, Sly and the Family Stone, Peter Frampton, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, Skynyrd, and Sabbath. And they are fantastic covers - this now-complete set nearly equals the greatness of Def Leppard's stunning, surprising Yeah! from last year, and that's no small feat: covers albums typically suck.