John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s gender-bending, heartbreaking musical soundtrack Hedwig and the Angry Inch has already become something of a cult classic, particularly with indie-rockers, so Wig in a Box: Songs From & Inspired by Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which features artists ranging from Yoko Ono to They Might Be Giants, brings the phenomenon full circle. Hedwig’s mix of punk, glam, pop, and sweet ballads leaves plenty of room for interpretation, and fortunately the cast of artists that participate in this project have strong enough musical identities that the album doesn’t devolve into a karaoke party for hipsters. … The Polyphonic Spree and Spoon are responsible for two of the album’s best, and most different moments, with the Spree’s ecstatic version of “Wig in a Box” suiting both the song and their style to a ‘T’ and Spoon’s “Tear Me Down” recalling the tension and fury of the Who and the Rolling Stones in their prime. … Fortunately, nearly all of Wig in a Box is both unique and successful, and considering that its proceeds go to the Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk School, a place of learning and counseling for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, the album’s cause and its music are both worthwhile. MORE
