THINK LIKE A KEY MUSIC

John Lennon praised them. Springsteen cited them as influences. Now today's best artists prove why.

Play On: A Raspberries Tribute proves why these power-pop pioneers matter: Rick Springfield electrifies “Go All The Way,” Lou Gramm powers through “Tonight,” The Bangles' Vicki and Debbi Peterson sparkle on “I Wanna Be With You,” and John Waite owns “I Don't Know What I Want." Add The Lemon Twigs' brilliant “Let's Pretend,” Marshall Crenshaw's rootsy “Should I Wait,” plus original drummer Jim Bonfanti plays on four tracks and Eric Carmen's new iconic count-in on “Tonight"—producers Ken Sharp and Fernando Perdomo have assembled everyone from chart-toppers to indie darlings, all celebrating the band that perfected Beatles melodies + driving rock.

Pop perfection, 37 ways.