I had the priviledge of being asked to illustrate the cover to the CD "Whole Lotta Love: An All-Star Tribute to Fat Chicks" for SplitScreen Entertainment. As a matter of fact, here's a description of the star-studded CD's content for SplitScreen's official website:
It's a musical homage to the big, beautiful women who make the rockin' world go 'round which features all-new recordings of popular songs praising the fuller female figure, originally made
famous by some of the biggest names in rock and pop music. These anthems to abundance are performed by renowned rock & rollers from yesterday and today, along with a select few rising stars. In direct opposition to the "no fat chicks" mantra espoused by some, WHOLE LOTTA LOVE is a star-studded celebration of large and lovely ladies.
Starting off the salute with a regal flourish is Queen's arena rock classic "Fat Bottomed Girls" by L.A. Guns singer Phil Lewis, with guitarist Paul LaPlaca and drummer John Macaluso. Next, the Poison chart-topper "Unskinny Bop" is ably recreated by party rock outfit Evick, featuring members of the Bret Michaels Band. This is followed by a high-octane version of the AC/DC concert staple "Whole Lotta Rosie" by Rufus Fontain, featuring Cinderella guitarist Jeff LaBar and original Jackyl vocalist Ronnie Honeycutt. Danger Danger frontman Ted Poley lends his trademark vocals to the Electric Boys hit "All Lips N' Hips," alongside his Poley/Rivera partner Vic Rivera. Then rock & roll comic C.C. Banana offers up a faithful rendition of the Kiss track "Spit" (a.k.a. "Split"), featuring bassist David Z of ZO2 and guitarist Angus Clark.
Plus-sized songstress Celisa Stratton brings all-new meaning to the title track "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin, in conjunction with veteran Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali and guitarist Alex Grossi. And the Sir Mix-A-Lot hip-hop smash "Baby Got Back" is given a metal makeover by comedian Don Jamieson, co-host of "That Metal Show" on VH1 Classic. Next up is an offering from founding Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French, Tuff vocalist Stevie Rachelle and longtime W.A.S.P. drummer Stet Howland, who collaborate on a cover of the Ted Nugent cult favorite "Thunder Thighs." Plus "Big, Fat, Sexy Mama," a song by New York City underground sensation The Compulsions, is expertly rendered by newcomers Triangle Exception. Also included is the original studio recording of "You Need A Great Big Woman" by Candye Kane, celebrated blues diva and full-figured femme fatale.
Entering the album's home stretch, Trixter guitarist Steve Brown puts a rock spin on Mika's international Top 40 single "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)." And appearing for the first time anywhere is the brand new song "BMW" by the mysterious Dogwhistle, a funk/rock fusion combining two of man's favorite things: girls and cars. Concluding the tribute on a comedic note, the bass-heavy Spinal Tap dirge "Big Bottom" is given a 6-string revamp by Twisted Sister guitarist Eddie Ojeda and his Band of Steel. The entire affair is topped with an inspired cover by pop artist Les Toil, known for his bold and beautiful "big girl" pin-up art.
From beginning to end, WHOLE LOTTA LOVE delivers a heavy dose of heavy hitters, singing the praises of heavy women. The complete track listing for WHOLE LOTTA LOVE: An All-Star Salute To Fat Chicks is as follows:
1. Fat Bottomed Girls - Phil Lewis (with Paul LaPlaca and John Macaluso)
2. Unskinny Bop - Evick
3. Whole Lotta Rosie - Rufus Fontain (featuring Jeff LaBar and Ronnie Honeycutt)
4. All Lips N' Hips - Poley/Rivera (featuring Ted Poley and Vic Rivera)
5. Split - C.C. Banana (with Banana 7, featuring David Z and Angus Clark)
6. Whole Lotta Love - Celisa Stratton (with Alex Grossi and Frankie Banali)
7. Baby Got Back - Don Jamieson
8. Thunder Thighs - Stevie Rachelle, Jay Jay French, Stet Howland
9. Big, Fat, Sexy Mama - Triangle Exception
10. You Need A Great Big Woman - Candye Kane
11. Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) - Steve Brown
12. BMW - Dogwhistle
13. Big Bottom - Eddie Ojeda's Band of Steel
