 Various
Artists
"Tracks and Fields" 2CD
Kill
Rock Stars
Genres: indie rock, indie pop, DIY
Kill Rock Stars
120 NE State Ave #418
Olympia WA 98501
Nov 15 - 21 2004 |
Tracks and Fields is the second in a trilogy of compilations
from long-running Olympia label Kill Rock Stars, following in the
theme of the Kill Rocks Stars / Stars Kill Rock / Rock
Stars Kill comps that came out in the 90s. As is expected from
KRS, we get many delicious nuggets on these two CDs - everything
ranging from straightforward pop to experimental freak-outs. In
the latter category there are a wide array of successes, including
incredibly infectious tunes by Superchunk, The
Decemberists, and Biography of Ferns. There are also
numerous calmer, folky pop tunes that take a more somber
tone - Cynthia Dall's contribution is pure brilliance, and
songs by Brooke and alaska! also impress. On the
weirder scale of things, xiu xiu offers up a characteristically
bizarre live performance of "Clowne Towne," Slumber
Party brings on some really catchy electro synth-pop, and Dead
Meadow provides beautiful, airy dream pop. Representing the
more energetic, punk-tinged end of things are Gas Huffer
(funny), Sahara Hotnights, and Jucifer. Some of
the most unusual works here are the gutty experimental RAWK of sleetmute
nightmute and need new body's unique free improv.
This is an extensive compilation that brings together the various
styles of Kill Rock Stars' extended family, offering much more than
your average homogeneous indie rock affair. While it's a bit
erratic at times, this deviously inventive collection of songs will
easily find a spot in your heart, and, of course, your CD
player. I can't wait for the next one.
87%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
41 tracks, distributed by buyolympia.com, released
2004] |
